Act early when aware of a fire, but do not enter smoke blindly. If smoke comes through the door gaps, do not open the door; stay in a safer position, call 999 with your exact location and follow Fire Services instructions.
What to have ready
Before you start
FSD's community emergency training makes the safety of the exit route central to the decision. When there is no smoke through the door gaps, cautiously assess conditions outside; close the door immediately if smoke or heat is present. Leave by a safe staircase when the corridor and stairway are clear, closing the flat door behind you. Do not use lifts. FSD identifies keys, phone and wet towel as three escape essentials, but collecting objects must not delay action. A wet towel does not make a smoke-filled route safe.
What to do, step by step
- Before an incident, identify available stairways, final exits and a meeting point. Discuss who assists children and household members needing help, and practise the route during normal conditions without blocking communal access.
- During a fire, assess smoke and heat at the door. Leave only along a safe route, taking immediately available keys and phone without searching for luggage or returning for valuables.
- Close doors and use the stairs. If a staircase contains smoke, do not push through it. Follow FSD guidance on another safe route or returning to a safer location and seeking assistance.
- Call 999 from a safe position and specify the building, block, floor, flat and number of people needing rescue. Follow instructions, tell others where you are, and do not re-enter the affected premises.
Costs, timing, and things to check
Keep smoke-stop doors closed and corridors, staircases and exits unobstructed. Discuss abandoned furniture or equipment with management before it becomes an obstacle during a real evacuation.
FSD encourages voluntary stand-alone fire detectors. Follow the manufacturer's placement, testing and battery instructions; a detector provides early warning and still requires a workable household escape plan.
A practical example
A resident hears an alarm and sees smoke entering through the door gaps. They keep the door closed rather than rushing into the corridor, contact 999 from a safer position, and identify the block, floor, flat and two people inside. An address card and previously discussed assistance arrangements help communicate clearly while waiting for professional instructions.
Act early and assess whether the exit route is safe.
Official information and enquiries
These are the reference and service entry points for this guide. Check current fees, eligibility, and schedules with the authority. The preparation date is not each source's official update date.