If a fire starts in your house, get out, stay out and call out the fire service.
If you call 999, give the operator:
- your full address
- use What3Words app to describe your location with only three words
- details of building on fire, for example, a two-storey house
- details of anyone still trapped in the building and the room they are in
What you need to do when a fire starts
Everyone in your house needs to know what to do if a fire occurs.
If you hear a smoke alarm or discover a fire:
- try not to panic
- tell everyone in the house
- use your pre-planned escape route to get everyone out of the building as quickly as possible. Use our escape plan tool.
- smoke rises, so stay low or crawl on the floor in the cleaner air where it's easier to breathe
- do not stop to collect any valuables or possessions
- do not stop to look for pets
- if possible, close the door to the room where the fire is located and close all doors behind you as you leave (to delay the spread of fire and smoke)
- before opening a closed door, touch it with the back of your hand; do not open it if it feels warm - the fire will be on the other side
Do not go back into the building:
- find somewhere safe near the building and wait for the fire service to arrive
- if someone is still inside the building, tell the fire service and give details
- by going back into the building, you'll prevent the fire service from doing what they need to do and put your own life at risk too