Tips and advice

Home fire plan

A little bit of planning now might not prevent a fire from happening in your home, but can certainly ensure that you’re equipped to escape from it safely and quickly. Please see below for Hertfordshire County Council's advice on what to do if your fire alarm goes off: 

• If your smoke alarm goes off because of a fire, then the first thing to do is to gather everyone and get out as quickly as you can. Then you should raise the alarm and call 999. Don’t bother about trying to salvage things.
• Don’t open any closed doors to see if there’s a fire behind them. That’s the easiest way to spread a fire. Instead feel the door with your hand. If it’s warm, then there’s a good chance there’s a fire behind it.
• It’s better not to tackle a fire. That’s a job best left to the qualified professionals. You should only attempt to tackle a fire in its very early stages and when you’re sure you can put it out.
• If there is a lot of smoke, crawl along the floor. The air will be easier to breathe down there.
• If your escape route is blocked, get everyone into one room and close the door. Seal it with bedding or towels to stop smoke from getting in.
• Open the window and stay near it for fresh air. The firefighters will find it easier to spot you there too.
• If you can escape via your window, then do so. If you have to break the glass to get out, cover the jagged edges with towels or bedding. Throw some bedding out onto the ground to give you something soft to land on. Do not jump out of the window. Lower yourself at arm’s length and drop to the ground.
• If you have children or elderly people with you, plan the order of who goes first so you can help them.
• If you’ve managed to get out, don’t go back to retrieve anything like a pet or a possession. Most animals are very adept at escaping from fire and don’t need your help. And your possessions are all covered by your home insurance.