In the event of a fire in your council home

If there is a fire in your home:

  • If you can do so safely leave immediately
  • Close doors behind you
  • Call the fire brigade on 999
  • Tell everyone in your home that there is a fire and shout ‘fire’ to alert others
  • If you live in a building with a lift, do not use it. Use the stairs
  • Do not attempt to return to the property

If you are unable to leave the property as your escape route is blocked, it may be safer to stay in the room not affected by the fire. Close the door and block up any gaps to stop smoke from coming under the door, for example with towels or blankets (preferably damp if possible).  Open a window and shout for help. 

If there is a fire outside of your home in another property or the communal area:

  • Dial 999 for the fire brigade
  • It is usually safer to stay in your home until you can be safety evacuated by the fire fighters
  • If however smoke or flames enter your home, leave at once and close doors behind you
  • If you live in a building with a lift, do not use it. Use the stairs
  • Do not attempt to return to the property

In addition:

  • If there is a lot of smoke, get down and crawl as near to the floor as possible where the air will be cleaner 
  • If possible tell your neighbours who may be affected

Do not go onto a balcony unless it leads to a fire escape route.

Escape planning

A fire exit plan will help you act quickly if there's a fire.

It shows what you'd do and how you'd escape if there was a fire in your home. It includes how you'd get out of your home and who you'd call. Once you've made a plan, practice it with everyone who lives with you, so they know the plan and what to do. 

Fire exit plan
Step  Stage Description 

1. 

 Exit plan Put the plan on a fridge door or noticeboard

2.

 Keys Make sure everyone knows where the keys to doors and windows are kept
3. Choose an escape route The best route is usually the normal way in and out of your home. Think of any difficulties you or other people in  your home may have and prepare for these
4. Second escape route Choose a second escape route as well and keep both routes clear. Remember, if you live on the ground or first floor, a window could be used as an escape route
5. Plan the order

Plan the order that people will escape in. For example, if you go out of window would you be able to help others out (ground/first floor only)

Consider who will need most assistance and who will remember the escape plan

If you are unable to escape 

  • Safe room - Get everyone into one room, preferably one with a window and phone, Close the door and wait to be rescued
  • Seal the room - Put bedding or towels along the bottom of the door to seal the gap and prevent smoke  and fumes from getting into the room
  • Fresh air - Open the window and stay near it for fresh air and to alert firefighters when they arrive
  • Get help - If you have a phone, call the fire brigade. If not, shout for help

 

Up to Fire safety in council homes

Updated: 23/08/2024