What if Theres a Fire

If there's a fire, you have no time to spare. You need to know exactly what to do next.

Alert everyone

• Make sure everyone in the house knows about the fire.
• If there's a lot of smoke, crawl along the floor where the air will be clearer.

Get everyone out

• Don't delay for valuables.
• Don't investigate the fire.
• Before you open doors check them with the back of your hand. If they're warm don't open them - the fire is on the other side.

Call 999

Use a mobile phone, a neighbour's phone or a phone box. Give the address.

Don't go back in

Not for anything, even pets.

WHEN YOU CAN'T GET OUT BY THE ESCAPE ROUTE

If you're on the ground or first floor, go out of a window

Throw bedding, cushions, etc, onto the ground to break your fall.

Lower yourself by your arms from the window ledge before dropping.

Lie down and lower children as far as possible before letting them drop. Get an adult below to break their fall if you can.

If you can't open the window, use a heavy object to break it at the bottom corner. Make the jagged edges safe with a towel or blanket.

If you can't get out, get everyone into one room

Choose a room with a window if you can.

Put cushions, bedding, etc, round the bottom of the door to block smoke.

Open the window and call for help. Let the firefighters know you're there.

Think now about which room might be best for this - you need a window that can be opened, and if possible a phone for calling 999.