The Prepared Home

Fire - How to get out

Experience has shown that if people have already thought about how they would escape that they will find it a lot easier to cope if the worst happens. It also means that it is possible work out what areas to leave clear from tip hazards to make escape easier. It will also make easier to work out what individual needs are in terms of an escape plan such as extra assistance for someone with mobility difficulties.

The standard advice is to get everyone out, stay out and get the fire brigade out. This is because the powers that be are very wary of people hurting themselves by tackling a fire that is beyond their ability and training to deal with. However, be sensible if you do what I did and set light to the outside of a dirty chip pan and get a tiny flame that was a similar size to that produced by a cigarette lighter, switch the cooker off, wait a while and then clean the pan. I had a sensible plan that worked and if I had followed that advice the fire brigade it would have cost the tax payer a lot of money.

However, a fire can very quickly take firm hold and smoke can fill your home even quicker.

What to do if a fire breaks out

• If you can safely do it. Close the door of the room where the fire has started and close all other doors behind you. This will delay the spread of the smoke. This is why it is important to shut all doors at night.
• Before opening a closed door, use the back of your hand to touch it. Don't open it if it feels warm - the fire will be on the other side.
• Get everyone out as quickly as possible. Don't try and puck up valuables or possessions. Make your way out as safely as possible and try not to panic
• Ring the fire brigade from a a neighbour's house or a phone box. Remember to clearly state the address of the fire and other information necessary to find you as quickly as possible.
• Plan your escape route now. Don't start until a fire starts.
• Never go back into your home until a fire officer has told you it is safe.

What to do if cut off by fire

• If you cannot get out because of flames or smoke, close the door nearest to the fire and use towels or sheets to block any gaps. This will help stop smoke spreading into he room.
• Go to the window. If the room becomes smoky, go down to floor level where it is easier to breathe
• Open the window and try and attract attention of others who can alert the fire brigade. Wait for the fire-fighters it should only be a matter of minutes.
• If you are in immediate danger drop cushions or bedding to the ground to break your fall from the window.
• Get your feet out first and lower yourself to the full length of your arms before dropping.

Making an escape plan

You need to identify all practical escape routes and consider all everyone in your home.

• Is it possible to get out of the windows? Are the bedroom windows locked and the key left downstairs? Is there anything at hand that will help you break the window?
• Is it possible to get out of the doors? Is the key easily found by anyone who needs it?
• What useful tips and tricks could you use? Like if you try and hang down from a window before jumping you have less distance to fall. What could you use to break your fall? There is less smoke near the floor than near the ceiling so it can be useful to get down low and crawl out rather than walk.
• Remember if your clothes catch fire that you need to stop, drop down and then roll on the ground to smother the flames.
• Sometimes it is safer to stay where you are than try and get out. You need to be able to work this out.
• Discuss escape plans with the family so everyone knows how to get out.

download this article as a pdf file

To read this file you will need a copy of Acrobat reader. If you have not got a copy you can download by clicking on the image below.