Planning ahead could save lives if a fire breaks out in your home. Knowing what to do if your smoke alarm goes off and how you and your family would escape could make the difference between life and death.
Avon Fire and Rescue recently released guidelines on what to do in an emergency and how to protect yourself from potential dangers.
The key points to take from their campaign are:
Know your escape route:
- Your best, quickest and safest route out is the way you always come into your home but think about other ways too.
- Keep your escape route clear of obstacles.
- Know where door and window keys are kept.
- If your escape route is blocked, find a suitable room, ideally with a window which opens, call 999 and stay there until help arrives.
- Walk the route with your family and check everyone is able to operate any locks.
If a pan catches fire:
- Don’t move it
- If it is safe to do so, turn off the heat
- Never throw water on it, this will only make the fire worse
