In any emergency, dial 999 at the earliest opportunity and stay safe until the emergency services arrive.

What to do if your smoke alarm goes off

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, 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 – remember smoke rises so stay low.

If your escape route is blocked

• Have a pre designated ‘safe room’. This should be facing the road.
• Get everyone into your ‘safe room’ room and close the door. Put bedding or towels along the bottom of the door to keep out smoke.
• Open the window and stay near it for fresh air and to let the firefighters see you.
• Phone the Fire Service or shout FIRE! Keep shouting until the Fire Service arrive and acknowledge you.

Tackling fire

• 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.