Having regular fire drills and knowing what to do if a blaze breaks out is vital to save lives.
Practise these procedures to be prepared:
• Plan an escape route and make sure everyone knows how to escape. Practise it at least twice a year.
• Ensure all exits are kept clear.
• The best route is the normal way in and out of your home.
• Think of a second route in case the first one becomes blocked.
• Review your plan if the layout of your home changes.
• Keep door and window keys where everyone can find them.
IF THERE IS A FIRE:
• Keep calm and act quickly, get everyone out as soon as possible.
• Don’t waste time investigating what’s happened or rescuing valuables.
• If there’s smoke, keep low where the air is clearer.
• Before you open a door, check if it’s warm. If it is, don’t open it – fire is on the other side.
IF YOUR ESCAPE ROUTE IS BLOCKED:
• If you can’t get out, get everyone into one room, ideally with a window and a phone.
• Put bedding around the bottom of the door to block out the smoke.
• Call 911 then open the window and shout “Help. Fire”.
• If you’re on the ground or first floor, you may be able to escape through a window.
• Use bedding to lower yourself down carefully and cushion your fall. Don’t jump.
• If you can’t open the window, break the glass in the bottom corner. Make jagged-edges safe with a towel or blanket.
This article originally appeared in Compass Media’s 2025 Emergency Guide.
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