Make sure that you have an escape plan, so that in the event of a fire everyone in your home knows what to do.

Decide on a route that you would take to get out of your house, taking into account where a fire is likely to start, and whether the fire would block your route.  Practice this in the dark, at least once so that you know you could escape if there was a fire.

You need to decide who takes charge, which exits to use, and where to muster outside.

You should tell young children to wait in their rooms with the door closed until an adult can get to them.  They should stand near a window if possible, or lie on the floor under the smoke.  Most importantly, they should shout for help and keep doing so until someone can find them.

When escaping, you should close all doors behind you and not stop for pets or personal belongings.  Once outside, do not re-enter the building.  Call the fire and rescue service from a phone box, mobile phone or neighbours telephone by dialling 999