If a fire starts in your house get out, stay out and dial 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.
If you call 999 give:
- the operator your full address
- 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
It's important that everyone in your house knows what to do should a fire occur.
If you hear a smoke alarm or discover a fire
- try not to panic
- tell everyone in the house
- using your pre-planned escape route, get everyone out of the building as quickly as possible
- smoke rises so stay low or crawl on the floor in the cleaner air where it's easier to breathe
- don't stop to collect any valuables or possessions
- don't 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; don't open it if feels warm - the fire will be on the other side
Don't 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
- don't go 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