How to make an escape plan
We recommend that you plan a fire escape route so everyone knows what to do. You should have your escape route planned and everyone in your household should be familiar with it.
Read our advice on how to plan an escape route including planning escape routes for bungalows, flats and for people who are disabled or vulnerable.
Plan your escape
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You should also have two escape plan options, in case one of your escape routes is blocked.
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Do not delay your escape to save valuables or look for pets. Smoke from a fire is toxic and can leave you unconscious in just two or three breaths.
Escape plans for disabled, older or vulnerable people
If you – or anyone you live with – might find it difficult to escape in an emergency, we recommend you book a free home safety visit with us, and we’ll give you the right advice for your circumstances.
One of our fire safety advisers will visit you at home, help plan your escape route, as well as give you advice about how you can keep yourself and others safe from fire. We can also help with (and sometimes supply) special fire detection options.
It is best for us to come and visit to help advise on the best fire escape options for you or someone you care for. You can also use the advice on this page to help someone you look after think about their escape route.

Escape route for a house, bungalow or converted flat
- The best escape route is usually the normal way in and out of your home.
- Think of any difficulties you may have getting out, for example at night you may need to have a torch to light your way.
- If the smoke is thick, you should get down low (where there is less smoke) and crawl.
- Think about your route out and how you would alert your children and get them out.
- Keep all paths including stairs clear of obstructions, like pushchairs, toys, or bikes.
- Decide where the keys to doors and windows should be kept and always keep them there. Ideally, this should be close to the door or window (whilst keeping security in mind). Make sure everyone in your household knows where they are.
- Plan for a second escape route, in case the first one is blocked.

If your escape route is blocked or you’re trapped by fire
If you are on the ground floor - try to get out of the building:
- Escape out of a window. Throw bedding or cushions to break your fall.
- If you can’t open the window, use a heavy object to break it at the bottom corner. When you go through it, cover any sharp edges with clothing, a towel, or a blanket.
- Once you are out, get well away from the building and call 999 if you haven’t already.
If you can’t get out or are upstairs
Find a safe room – this is a room where you can wait for the fire and rescue service.
- A safe room should have a window that opens, and at least one phone.
- Get everyone into the safe room, close the door, and put bedding, cushions, or towels along the bottom to seal the gap.
- Open the window for fresh air, and call for help.
- Think now - which room might be best for this? You need a window that can be opened easily and if possible, has a phone for calling 999. We recommend you have a phone and torch in the bedroom when you go to bed, in case there is a fire.
Escape plans for flats
If you live in a purpose-built flat, bedsit, or maisonette, your escape plan will not be the same as for a house. You should follow the safety advice for your building from your housing provider.
It’s important to know what to do in two different fire situations in your building.
- A fire in your flat.
- A fire somewhere else in the building.

Fire safety in high-rise buildings
High-rise buildings will have fire safety measures in place.
Practise your escape plan
Once you have your escape plan, go through it and practise it with everyone who lives in your home. You could do this at the same time as you test your smoke alarms (at least once a month).
Do a bedtime check to keep you safer at night
When you are asleep, it takes longer to notice the signs of a fire. If you don't have a working smoke alarm, there will be nothing to wake you.
To help prevent fires from occurring through the night, it's important to check your home for fire hazards before you go to bed.
- Close internal doors at night to stop a fire from spreading.
- Check the cooker is turned off.
- Turn off and unplug electrical appliances (unless they are meant to be left on, like your freezer).
- Put candles and cigarettes out properly.
- Turn heaters off and put up fireguards.
- Make sure exits are kept clear.