What to do if there’s a fire

Raise the alarm

• Let everyone in the area know that there is a fire.
• Shout ‘fire, fire!’
• Get everyone together.

Evacuate

• Make sure you follow your escape plan, if you don’t have one, use our escape plan guide to create one.
• Do not try to investigate the fire.
• Crawl along the floor and stay low.
• Open only necessary doors when evacuating to help contain the fire.
• Close doors behind you to prevent fire spread.
• Before opening a door, feel it with the back of your hand. Don’t open warm doors; fire may be on the other side.
• If escaping with others, try to stay together.
• Do not stop to collect valuables or round up pets.

Stay out and call 999

• Once you’re in a safe place, call 999 and ask for the fire service.
• Never re-enter the building.
• Find somewhere safe to wait.
• If there is someone still inside, wait for the fire and rescue service to arrive. You can tell them about the person and they will be able to find them quicker than you.

If you can’t escape

• Get everyone into one room, ideally with a window
• Put soft furnishings at the bottom of the door to block smoke
• Open the window and call for help, shout: “Help, fire!”
• Call 999 and ask for the fire service
• Think about this now – which room in your house might be best for this?

What to do if your clothes catch on fire

If your clothing catches fire, you should follow our tips to extinguish the blaze and protect yourself:

• STOP where you are – moving or running feeds air to the flames and may worsen the fires.
• DROP to the floor – if you stand up, the fire can reach your face. Lie on the floor and fold your arms high on your chest to protect your face.
• ROLL slowly on the floor or ground to smother the flames, use a blanket or rug if you can.

If you see someone else with their clothing alight, help them to stop, drop and roll.

Call 999 and ask for the fire service, and seek urgent medical attention.

Emollient cream 

Emollient creams can build-up in fabrics and lead to devastating outcomes due to increased fire risk.

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