In The Event of a Fire

Fire Fighting.

In any emergency, dial 999 as soon as you can and stay safe until the emergency services arrive.

  • Alert everyone
  • Get out straight away
  • Avoid smoke by keeping low
  • Only open doors you need for your escape
  • Always check the door for heat first with the back of your hand (if hot find another route)
  • Once outside call the Fire Service, stating your full address
  • DO NOT GO BACK IN
  • GET OUT
  • STAY OUT
  • CALL THE FIRE SERVICE

What to do if your smoke alarm goes off

Would you and your family know what to do if a fire started in your home? Please take a few minutes to read the information on this page. Share it with your family so you will all be better equipped to escape safely and quickly in the event of a fire.

Raise the alarm

If your smoke alarm goes off in the middle of the night, do not investigate to see if there is a fire. Instead, shout to wake everyone up, follow your escape plan and get out.

Check closed doors with the back of your hand: if they are warm do not open them, the fire is on the other side. If there is a lot of smoke, you should crawl along with your nose close to the floor.

If your escape route is blocked

Have a pre-determined ‘safe room’ that faces the road.

Get everyone into this room and close the door. Put bedding or towels along the bottom of the door to seal the gap. Smoke and fumes can kill people quickly so it is important to stop them getting into the room.

Open the window and stay near it for fresh air and to let the firefighters see you.

Dial 999 or shout FIRE! so that someone else can phone for you. Keep shouting until firefighters arrive and acknowledge you.

Tackling fire

There is no such thing as a ‘safe’ fire. It is better for you to prevent fire than to fight it. Tackling fire should be left to professional firefighters. Simply get out, stay out and call the Fire and Rescue Service out.

Escaping from a window

If you are on the ground or first floor you may be able to escape from a window.

If you have to break the window, cover any jagged glass with towels or thick bedding and throw some more bedding out of the window to break your fall.

Do not jump out of the window – lower yourself to arm’s length and drop to the ground.

If you have any children, or elderly or disabled people with you, plan the order in which you will escape so you can help them down.

Don’t go back into your home

Call the Fire and Rescue Service on 999 from a mobile phone, neighbour’s house or a public phone box. Do not go back for anything.

After a fire

There is support available to help you and your family after a fire, from temporary accommodation to emotional support. For more details, contact us on 0800 032 1155.