Escape plan

Once you have planned your route, make sure that everyone in your household knows it well.

How to make an escape plan 

• Make sure exits are kept clear. The best route is the normal way in and out of your home. 
• Think of a second route in case the first one is blocked. 
• Take a few minutes to practice your escape plan. 
• Review your plan if the layout of your home changes. 

What to do if your escape route is blocked 

• If you can’t get out, get everyone into one room, ideally with a window and a phone. 
• Put bedding around the bottom of the door to block out the smoke, then open the window and call “Help! Fire!” 

If you’re on the ground floor, you may be able to escape through a window

• Use bedding to cushion your fall and lower yourself down carefully. Don’t jump. 
• If you can’t open the window, break the glass in the bottom corner. Make jagged edges safe with a towel or blanket. 

Advice for residents of a high rise building

• Do not use lifts and balconies if there is a fire.  
• It is easy to get confused in smoke, so count how many doors you need to go through to reach the stairs. 
• Check there is nothing in the corridors or stairways that could catch fire – like boxes or rubbish.  
• Make sure doors to stairways are not locked. 
• Make sure everyone in the building knows where the fire alarms are. 
• You should still get a smoke alarm for your own home, even if there is a warning system in the block.

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