19/10/2026
Be fire ready: make an escape plan
Every second counts in a fire. Have you got an escape plan?
A fire can start unexpectedly, and smoke and heat can make it difficult to think clearly. Taking a few minutes now to plan how you and everyone in your household would get out could help keep you safe.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service recommends that every household has an escape plan and practises it regularly.
Plan your escape
• Know your exits: Your main door should be your first choice but think about an alternative route in case it is blocked.
• Keep exits clear: Make sure doors, hallways and escape routes are free from anything that could slow you down.
• Know where your keys are: Keep door and window keys in the same place and make sure everyone knows where they are.
• Think about everyone in your household: Decide who will help children, older people or anyone who may need assistance to escape.
• Choose a meeting point: Agree where everyone will meet once safely outside—for example, at a gate, tree or other familiar place.
• Practise your plan: Regular practice can help everyone stay calm and get to safety more quickly.
Don't forget to test your smoke and heat alarms every week and make sure everyone knows what to do if they sound.
If a fire starts
Get out. Never go back inside. Call 999 when you are safely outside.
If you cannot get out, close the door and stay in a safe room. Go to a window, call 999 and shout for help.
For more advice and to find out how to make your own escape plan, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services website for more details.
We are the national fire and rescue service for Scotland, committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the people of Scotland.
