You are more at risk if a fire starts when you are asleep, so it’s a good idea to check your home before you go to bed.

Every home should have an escape plan just in case the worst happens, make sure everyone in the house knows what it is and what they should do.  The first step of any escape plan is having a working smoke alarm.

Be prepared:

• Plan an escape route and make sure everyone knows how to escape.
• Make sure exits are kept clear.
• The best route is usually the normal way in and out of your home.
• Think of a second route in case the first one is blocked.
• Take a few minutes to practice your escape plan.
• 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:

• Don’t try to tackle the fire yourself.
• 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 cleaner.
• Get out, stay out and call 999. Remember 999 calls are free.

If you live in a high rise building:

• As with all buildings, you should plan and practice an escape route.
• Avoid using lifts and balconies if there is a fire.
• It is easy to get confused in smoke, so count how many doors you need to go through to reach the stairs.
• Check there is nothing in the corridors or stairways that could catch fire, like boxes or rubbish.
• Make sure doors to stairways are not locked.
• Make sure everyone in the building knows where the fire alarms are.
• You should still get a smoke alarm for your own home, even if there is a warning system in the block.