Every home needs a fire escape plan — and here’s why: in 2024 alone, fire and rescue services in England attended 25,076 house fires (source: Home Office website official fire statistics, Table 7.1).
That’s around 70 fires every single day.
Tragically, 199 people died in these incidents, and over 4,500 were injured.
Fires can start quickly and spread even faster. Whether it’s caused by a cooking accident (half of all UK house fires), faulty wiring, a cigarette, heater - or even a tampered meter - once it begins, every second counts.
That’s why a clear fire escape plan that your whole household understands is one of the most important things you can put in place.
This article will explain more about why a fire escape plan is so important to you and your household - and how to create one that really works for you.
What is a Fire Escape Plan?
A fire escape plan is a step-by-step guide that helps everyone in your home get out quickly and safely if a fire breaks out.
It should include:
- Two escape routes from your home - and ideally multiple exits from every room
- A safe meeting point outside
- A clear plan to support anyone who needs help
- Regular practise, so everyone knows what to do
Need help visualising what a plan might look like for your home? Download our Fire Escape Plan Infographic to get started.
Preparing a Fire Escape Plan (And How to Even Turn It Into a Game)
Creating a fire escape plan doesn’t have to be scary, especially for children. In fact, turning it into a game can make it easier to remember, and far less frightening.
Try the “Get out Fast” game:
- Time how quickly each person can get from their bedroom to the meeting point
- Crawl low under “invisible smoke”
- Give gold stars for the quickest time, or let the winner pick dinner.
When you make it routine, it becomes second nature. That’s the goal.
Step 1: Walk through your home
Start with a walkthrough. Ask yourself, “If a fire started here, how would I get out?”
Sketch a simple floor plan and think about whether there are two possible exits from the room — usually a door and a window. But is the window really a safe way out? Be sensible in your plan and bear in mind the abilities of all the people in your home.
Above all, stop and think, safety first.
Step 2: Choose a safe meeting point
Pick a spot that’s far enough from the house to be safe - like a tree, lamppost or neighbour’s driveway. Everyone should know where to go.
Step 3: Make sure no one gets left behind
If anyone in your household has mobility issues, a disability, or might panic during a fire, agree who will help them out. Practise together, so everyone feels confident.
Step 4: Keep exits clear
A blocked hallway or doorway can cost precious seconds. Get into the habit of keeping exits free of shoes, bags and furniture - especially overnight.
Step 5: Practise your fire escape plan
Do a full run-through at least twice a year — once in daylight and once in the dark.
Practise:
- Testing door handles (without touching hot surfaces)
- Crawling under “smoke”
- Shouting to alert others
- Calling 999 from a safe location (tip: don’t actually call 999 during the practise. Keep the lines free for emergencies.)
Want extra peace of mind? Read our guide to smoke alarm maintenance.
Additional Fire Safety Tips for Your Home
- Having a fire escape plan is vital — but preventing fires in the first place is even better.
- Fit smoke alarms on every floor, and test monthly
- Vacuum alarms to remove dust build-up
- Keep a fire blanket in the kitchen
- Switch off appliances at night
- Never overload sockets or extension leads
- Keep flammables away from cookers, heaters or candles
- Stub cigarettes out completely
- Charge devices on hard surfaces — never under pillows or on beds
- Keep doors closed at night to slow the spread of fire
- Do a quick “fire safety check” every evening just before you go to bed
If you’ve ever spotted loose wires or sparks, smelt gas, or experienced anything that does not look right, on or around your energy meters, don’t ignore it - tampered meters can cause a serious fire hazard.
Fire Safety for People Who Need More Help
Your fire plan needs to reflect the people actually living in your home. That includes children, older adults or anyone with:
- Limited mobility
- A visual or hearing impairment
- Memory loss or confusion
- A medical condition that affects response times.
Helpful adjustments might include:
- Keeping mobility aids near exits or beds
- Fitting vibrating or flashing smoke alarms.
Help with Your Fire Escape Plan
Rehearsing your plan regularly, and letting trusted neighbours know the plan, is a great idea, especially when your household includes someone that may need a little more assistance.
You can also book a free Home Fire Safety Visit with your local fire service if you have any concerns or would like help in creating a plan that works for you.
If you’re a carer, landlord or property manager, the advice in this article applies to you too. Speak to your tenants, or anyone in your care, and make sure they are confident and understand what to do in the event of a fire.
Fires don’t wait, but you can be ready.