In a house fire, you may have less than two minutes to get everyone out. That is far too little time to start thinking about what to do. A fire escape plan, agreed in advance and practised once or twice, turns panic into action. Here is how to build one for your home.
Step 1: Map two ways out of every room
Walk through your home and identify two exits from each room, usually a door and a window. In flats, know the staircase routes and never plan to use a lift in a fire.
Step 2: Agree a meeting point
Pick a safe spot outside, away from the building, where everyone gathers. This is how you quickly know that everyone is out.
Step 3: Teach the key actions
- Stay low under smoke, where the air is clearer.
- Feel a door with the back of your hand before opening it; if it is hot, use the other way out.
- Once outside, never go back in.
- Call 101 for the fire brigade or 112 for all emergencies from outside.
Step 4: Plan for children and elders
Decide in advance who helps young children, elderly family members or anyone who needs assistance. Make sure everyone knows the plan, not just the adults.
Step 5: Practise it
Run through the plan once so it is not just theory. A two-minute walk-through is enough for everyone to remember the routes and the meeting point.
Prevention is the other half
An escape plan is for when things go wrong. Reducing the chance of fire in the first place matters just as much, so pair it with our home fire safety checklist, and add automatic protection at the kitchen and meter box. A FireXross ball from ₹999 can stop a fire before an escape is ever needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do you have to escape a house fire?
Often under two minutes, which is why having a planned route and meeting point matters so much.
What should a home fire escape plan include?
Two exits from each room, a meeting point outside, key actions like staying low, and a plan for children and elders.
Should you go back inside for belongings in a fire?
Never. Once you are out, stay out and let the fire service handle it.
