Page 33 - Paragon Housing Association - H&S Handbook

Your Guide to making a Fire Escape Plan
We have provided advice and information on how to avoid fires and what you can do to have effective warnings in place - like checking your alarms.
However if a fire does happen, having a plan can help you and your family to safety. When a fire starts in a home, every second counts. The heat and smoke can create confusion and panic and deciding who should do what in the moment is not easy. Having an escape plan means that everyone can get out quickly and safely. It doesn’t take long to make an escape plan and it could save lives.
3 STEPS TO SAVE YOUR LIFE
1. Get out
2. Never go back inside
3. Call 999 as soon as you are safe to do so
Things to consider
Your Answer
Who is usually living in your home?
Can everyone at home escape quickly without assistance? If not who will help them?
If you have children, who will make sure they are awake?
Keep your door and window keys in the same place and make sure everyone knows where that is. Where do you keep these?
Have more than one plan – if you can’t get out the main door is there another door or window?
Decide on where you should meet when you get out so you know you are all safe – this could be a tree, gate, place on your street. Where is the meeting place and does everyone know it?
Does everyone know that when you get out you should stay out and phone 999
Does everyone know that if you can’t get out, you should find a safe space and close the door, and pack clothes or blankets round the door to stop the smoke?
Does everyone know that you should then go to the window and shout for help and phone 999?
Have you practiced this plan with everyone usually living in your home?
When will you practice it next?
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