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If your home was to catch fire, how would you escape?
Have a plan
Every home should have a fire escape plan. Accidental home fires can catch people unawares. Without an escape plan you are placing the lives of everybody in your home in jeopardy.
Plan your actions before a fire happens - draw your escape plan now!
Plan your actions before a fire happens – prepare your escape plan now! Use this on-line escape planner to prepare your home escape plan, or print the A4 version or A3 version grid and draw your own home escape plan. Be sure to add a safe meeting place and always discuss your plan with the rest of your household. When complete place your plan somewhere prominent in your home (for example on your fridge) to keep it fresh in your mind.
Everyone in your household, including children, should discuss your evacuation plan, agree what actions should be taken in the event of a fire and practise your plan.
Remember, the first step to escaping a fire is to plan and practise your escape!
If your home catches fire follow your escape plan. CRAWL DOWN LOW, GET OUT and STAY OUT! Close doors as you go to help slow the spread of fire. If your clothes catch fire, STOP, DROP, COVER and ROLL until the flames are extinguished.
Tips on home fire escape plans
- draw a floor plan of your home
- draw your escape plan online or on paper and discuss your escape plan with other occupants including children
- make sure that windows and screens can be easily opened
- provide alternatives for anyone with a disability
- decide on a safe outside meeting place eg. near the letterbox
- once you get out, STAY OUT, never go back inside a burning building
- practice your plan at least twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved
- if you live in an apartment building learn and practice your building's evacuation plan
- if you hear the fire alarm, leave immediately
- use the stairs – NEVER use a lift/elevator during a fire
Smoke alarms can save your life
Having working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home dramatically increases your chances of survival. Smoke alarm batteries need to be tested monthly and replaced yearly.
Click here for smoke alarm fact sheets.
FACT: When fire takes hold, EVERY SECOND COUNTS. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire.
Fire safety tips for around the house
- Security screens and doors require special precautions. Windows and doors with screens and deadlocks can trap you in a fire. Keys should always be left in the lock or in a safe place near the door when you are at home, to enable a safe and speedy exit.
- Never open doors that are hot to the touch. To make sure that fire is not on the other side of the door, use the back of your hand to feel a closed door. If it feels hot, use your alternate escape route.
- Remember, close the doors after you to help slow the spread of fire.
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