What to do if there’s a fire

If there is a fire, you need to act quickly and calmly. This page gives clear advice on what to do if you discover a fire to help save your life.

You can find further information on the Avon & Somerset Fire Service pages  "https://www.avonfire.gov.uk".

Raise the alarm

Let everyone in the area know that there is a fire.

Shout ‘fire, fire!’

Get everyone together.

Evacuate the entire building.

If the fire is in Woodland Court assemble in the area between the Woodland Court garages.

If the fire is in either Bishops Court or Orchard Court, assemble in the area between the Bishops Court garages.

Make sure you follow your escape plan, 

see below how to make one.

Do not try to investigate the fire.

Crawl along the floor and stay low.

Open only necessary doors when evacuating to help contain the fire.

Close doors behind you to prevent fire spread.

Before opening a door, feel it with the back of your hand. Don’t open warm doors; fire may be on the other side.

If escaping with others, try to stay together.

Do not stop to collect valuables or round up pets.

Stay out and call 999

Once you’re in a safe place, call 999 and ask for the fire service.

Never re-enter the building.

Find somewhere safe to wait.

If there is someone still inside, wait for the fire and rescue service to arrive. You can tell them about the person and they will be able to find them quicker than you.

If you can’t escape

Get everyone into one room, ideally with a window

Put soft furnishings at the bottom of the door to block smoke

Open the window and call for help, shout: “Help, fire!”

Call 999 and ask for the fire service

Think about this now – which room in your house might be best for this?

How to make an escape plan 

It’s important to plan a fire escape route so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.

Once you have planned your route, make sure that everyone in your household knows it well.

Make sure exits are kept clear. The best route is the normal way in and out of your home. 

Think of a second route in case the first one is blocked. 

Take a few minutes to practice your escape plan. 

Review your plan if the layout of your home changes.

What to do if your escape route is blocked 

If you can’t get out, get everyone into one room, ideally with a window and a phone. 

Put bedding around the bottom of the door to block out the smoke, then open the window and call “Help! Fire!” 

If you’re on the ground floor, you may be able to escape through a window

Use bedding to cushion your fall and lower yourself down carefully. Don’t jump. 

If you can’t open the window, break the glass in the bottom corner. Make jagged edges safe with a towel or blanket.