What should a fire escape plan include

Make special arrangements for children, older adults and people with disabilities. People who have difficulty moving should have a phone in their sleeping area and, if possible, should sleep on the ground floor.

Test doors before opening them. While kneeling or crouching at the door, reach up as high as you can and touch the door, the knob and the space between the door and its frame with the back of your hand. If the door is hot, use another escape route. If the door is cool, open it with caution. If you are trapped, close all doors between you and the fire.

Stuff the cracks around the doors with towels or blankets to keep out smoke. Wait at a window and signal for help with a light coloured cloth or a flashlight. If there is a phone in the room, call and tell the operator exactly where you are. In case of fire, do not stop for anything.

Do not try to rescue possessions or pets. Go directly to your meeting place and then call the fire department from a neighbour's phone. Every member of your household should know how to call the fire department. Practise your escape plan regularly with the whole household including pets. Remember to consider the special needs of children, the elderly or the disabled when developing your escape plan.

Remember Smoke from a fire will make you confused. When asleep you will not smell smoke and it will in fact put you into a deeper sleep. Oil, gas or wood heating units may require yearly maintenance checks.

Only ever use fuses of the recommended rating and install an electrical safety switch. Home fire safety is important for the whole family and preparation can prevent a tragedy. By planning and practising how you will escape with the whole family, you can be more confident about a safe escape.

Here you can find out more about how to make an escape plan, and where to get help and extra support if you need it — this is especially important if you or someone in your home might find it difficult to escape quickly without assistance. The details of your escape plan will depend on your home, and the people you share it with. Fire escape plan for flat. If you live in a purpose-built flat, bedsit or maisonette, your escape plan isn't the same as a house. Here's what you need to know….

Change the batteries in the smoke alarms, every 6 months when you change your clocks. Know primary and secondary exits. If you hear the fire alarm, leave immediately. Use the stairs. NEVER use elevators during a fire. Did You Know? From the National Fire Protection Association Gas and charcoal grills cause structure fires and 3, outdoor fires in or on home properties each year. Gas grills have a higher fire risk than charcoal grills; leaks and breaks are the leading cause, accounting for nearly half of gas grill fires.