A household fire plan should be understood before an alarm sounds. It is more useful to know the route and where keys are than to have an elaborate written plan nobody has discussed. Use guidance appropriate to your actual type of home.
Start with the normal route
Walk through the ordinary way out and identify anything that could obstruct it. Discuss what to do if the route is unavailable using your fire service's guidance, rather than inventing dangerous alternatives. Houses, converted flats and purpose-built blocks can have different arrangements, so check the instructions that apply to your building. Check that guests understand which instruction applies to the home they are actually staying in.
- Keep exits and the route to them clear.
Include everyone who uses the home
Think about children, visitors and anyone who needs assistance, including temporary mobility difficulties. Ask the local fire service or responsible building organisation for suitable advice where needed. Agree how household members will know what to do at night, without expecting a child or untrained neighbour to manage another person's evacuation unaided.
- Keep door keys in an agreed accessible place.
Practise calmly and update the plan
Use a short announced walk-through in ordinary conditions, not a frightening surprise or a simulated smoky route. Check an appropriate outside meeting point and how to call emergency services once safe. Do not delay escape to collect a kit or investigate an alarm. Review after changes to the layout or occupants.
- Follow firefighters' instructions during a real incident.
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