Escape Plans

It is important to have a clear emergency escape plan in your home.

Last updated: 19th March, 2024

Working smoke alarms will give early warning of a developing fire but it is important that you have a clear emergency escape plan that everyone in your home knows. Visitors to your home should also be made aware of the emergency escape plan.

What TO Do

Know where door and window keys are kept. They should be easily accessible in the event of the property being smoke logged and visibility reduced
Keep escape routes clear. If visibility is reduced, you do not want to be tripping over things left on the stairs or shoes in the hallway
Although the best escape route is the normal way in and out of your home unless that usually includes a lift, identify a second route in case the first one is no longer accessible to you
Think ahead, if you cannot leave your home, identify a room with a window for everyone to gather in
Know how to use rolled towels or clothing to stop smoke entering a room from under the door
Know how to call 999. You will need to be able to clearly give your address, the location of the fire, the number of people still inside your home, describe where in your home you are located and the location of anyone else you have not been able to gather
Practice this escape plan, making sure everyone including guests, babysitters or childminders knows what to do
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them at least once a month
Consider requesting a Home Fire Safety Visit to review fire precautions within your home and receive additional advice and guidance

What NOT To Do

Do not forget to share your escape plan with guests, babysitters or childminders

Helpful downloads

Fire Safety in the Home

External Links

Need more info on this subject? Try searching our safety hub.

Call 999

- Safety Article -

Escape Plans

What TO Do

What NOT To Do

Helpful downloads

External Links

Share this article

Related articles

Living in a building with a ‘stay put’ policy

Electric bikes and electric scooters

Fire Safety for Places of Worship

Electrical Safety

Smoke Alarms

Kitchen Safety

Do you work with vulnerable people in their homes?

Smoking

For emergencies

Call 999

General enquiries

01296 744400

Follow us

Quick links