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Don’t let clutter cost a life – plan your fire escape today

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A part of the Fire Kills campaign, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to clear the clutter that may be blocking escape routes and to make sure their family, guests and loved ones know how to get out, stay out, and call 999 in the event of a fire.

Working smoke alarms gives people the warning they need to get out of their home in a fire. However blocked exits, locked doors or unfamiliar surroundings can shave vital seconds from their escape time.

We all know we need to take time to test our smoke alarms, but this month make time for your home and take some simple steps to help keep your loved ones safe: 

  1. Think about how you’d all get out in a fire. Making and practicing an escape plan will help ensure that everyone can get out, stay out and call 999.
  2. Fit at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home so smoke can reach the alarms quicker giving you more warning time.
  3. Test your smoke alarms at least monthly. Smoke alarms can save your life, but only if they work.
  4. Clear your escape routes. Make sure you’re able to escape without tripping over to ensure a speedy exit.
  5. Keep your door and window keys in a known and accessible place. Make sure everyone knows where the door and window keys are kept, so they can reach them easily and get out quicker in case of a fire.

Many of us care for others, children and loved ones. If this is you, consider the following:

  1. How will they get out? Plan an escape route that works for them and think of any difficulties they may have or help they may need getting out. Would they benefit from a torch to light their way or a stair rail?
  2. Where is the best place to go if the worst happens and they can’t escape? This is especially important if they have trouble moving around or can’t get downstairs on their own.
  3. Who’s your ‘escape champ’? Nominate someone in your home (perhaps a child) to be the ‘escape champ’. Role-playing escape routes regularly and giving children the responsibility to keep escape routes clear makes fire safety more fun and engaging.

Mark Preece, Chief Fire Officer at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Just two to three breaths of toxic smoke could leave you unconscious, so every second counts when escaping a fire. Having working smoke alarms and knowing the escape plan in an emergency could make all the difference.

“If you have children or someone less able you care for, it could take more time to get out, stay out and call 999. Make sure you’re always prepared, your exits are clear and everyone knows what to do if the worst should happen.”

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Fire, said: “If a fire occurs in your home you may have to get out in dark and difficult conditions. Have a designated place for door keys on your escape route, and always make sure hallways and stairs are free from clutter, and that there are no loose floor coverings that could trip you. By knowing how you would exit your home in the event of a fire, it could save your life in an emergency.”

Further information and advice on planning your escape route, is available at: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/glosfire/your-safety/stay-safe-from-fire.

For advice specific to you and your home, complete your own home fire safety check at www.ohfsc.co.uk.