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Have you planned your escape route?

This month, we’re supporting the Fire Kills Escape Routes campaign.

With more of us now at home, now is more important than ever to have an escape route planned and make sure that everybody knows it.

Group Manager, Mike Humphreys, said: “It’s very important to have a plan in place in case of an emergency. If everybody in your household knows the escape plan, they will have a much better chance of getting out safely should a fire break out.

“Additionally, you should make sure you have a smoke alarm fitted on every level of your home to provide you with an early warning and give you vital time to escape. If you already have an escape plan in place, make sure that every member or guest in your household knows it and what to do in an emergency situation – it could save lives.”

This week, make time for your home and take some simple steps to help keep your loved ones safe:

  • Think about how you’d get out in case of a fire. Making an escape plan and practising it will help ensure that everyone can get out, stay out and call 999.
  • Fit at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home so smoke can reach the alarms quicker giving you more warning time.
  • Test your smoke alarms weekly. Smoke alarms can save your life, but only if they work.
  • Clear your escape routes. Make sure you’re able to escape without tripping over to ensure a speedy exit.
  • Keep your door and window keys in an accessible place. Make sure everyone knows where the door and window keys are kept so they can reach them easily and get out quicker in case of a fire.

Remember, if a fire starts in your home, always get out, stay out and call 999.

Read our guidance on how to create an escape plan.