It can be difficult to know what to do in an emergency. Between the thick smoke, blaring alarms and darkness, would you be able to get out of your home? Having a plan can make a lifesaving difference.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) are asking residents to create an emergency escape plan so that everyone in your home knows how to get out quickly and safely.
Paul Scott, Prevention Manager at RBFRS, says: “Having an escape plan is vital to ensuring that everyone in your home stays safe should there be an emergency.
“Your escape plan should be clear so that everyone in your home knows to do. But planning is just the start.
“Make sure you take time to practise your escape plan with people in your household. Familiarity can make a real difference in an emergency.
“Always keep exits in your house clear and free of clutter and obstructions.
“Remember, in the case of a fire: Get out, stay out, and call 999.”
Follow our steps to creating a simple escape plan.
1. Making the Plan
- Include everyone who lives in your house – thinking especially of children, older people, and lodgers.
- Consider regular visitors and their needs.
- Talk through your escape plan, including what to do in a fire.
2. Choose an Escape Route
- The best escape route is your usual route in and out of your house.
- If possible, choose a second route in case the first one is blocked.
- Keep both routes clear of clutter and obstructions.
3. Make Sure that Everyone Knows Where You Keep the Keys
- Always keep door and window keys in the same place.
- Make sure everyone in your household knows where they are.
4. Make Sure Everyone Knows What to Do
- Take a few minutes to ‘walk through’ the plan with everyone in the household.
- Regularly remind everyone about what to do in the event of a fire.
- Learn what to do in an emergency.
- Keep a copy of your address by the phone, so children or visitors can read it out to the emergency services.
- Put a reminder of your escape plan somewhere prominent, like the door of the fridge.
5. What to Do if Your Escape is Blocked
- If you can’t escape, you will need to find a room to take refuge in – this is particularly important if you have difficult moving around or going downstairs on your own.
- Try to find a room that has a window and a phone.
- Put bedding around the bottom of the door to block smoke.
For further information and resources, please visit the Making an Escape Plan page on our website.