Fire!

If you smell burning alert everyone in your flat. If you think the fire has taken hold in a closed room, don't open the door unless you are letting someone out, otherwise the flames could spread.

If you have any doubts about your ability to quickly extinguish a fire, don't put yourself at risk. Ring 999 and ask for the Fire Brigade. If the fire is serious, leave the premises before making that call.

We all try to prevent fire starting in our home. But it only takes an unguarded or careless moment for a fire to start. A couple of minutes later and your home could be filled with smoke. Smoke and fumes can kill - you will only have a short time to get out. Use it wisely and try not to panic.

What to do if fire breaks out

• If you can safely do so, close the door of the room where the fire has started and close all other doors behind you. This will help delay the spread of smoke.
• Before opening a closed door, use the back of your hand to touch it. Don't open it if it feels warm - the fire will be on the other side.
• Get everyone out as quickly as possible. Don't try to pick up valuables or possessions. Make your way out safely and try not to panic.
• Plan your escape route now. Don't wait until a fire starts.
• Telephone the Fire Brigade on 999 from a neighbour's house or the nearest phone box. Clearly state the address of the fire.
• Never go back into your home until a fire officer has told you it is safe.

What to do if you're cut off by fire

• Stay calm - OK this may seem obvious, but it's harder than you think, and you need to save that energy.
• If you are prevented from getting out because of flames or smoke, try to move to a room at the front of the house. Close the door nearest the fire and block cracks with bedding or clothes to stop fire and smoke spreading into the room. Don't use nylon, foam, plastic, or other synthetic materials.
• If you can call 999 and ask for the fire brigade. Otherwise open the window and try to attract the attention of others who can alert the fire brigade.
• If the room becomes smoky, go down to floor level - it's easier to breathe because the smoke will rise upwards.
• If you are in immediate danger, drop cushions or bedding to the ground to break your fall from the window. Get out feet first and lower yourself to the full length of your arms before dropping.

Dealing with small fires:

If your chip pan or frying pan catches fire:

• Turn off the hob.
• Cover the pan with a large saucepan lid, a damp towel or fire blanket.
• NEVER throw water on it. This can cause a fireball.
• Don't move the pan.
• Don't lift the lid, towel or blanket off the pan for 30 minutes, even if flames seem to have died down.

If an electrical appliance catches fire:

• Switch off electricity at the fuse box on/off switch.
• Then extinguish flames with a damp towel, fire blanket, rug or fire extinguisher.
• Only do this if you have turned off the electricity.
• Don't use anything damp or wet on televisions or computers as residual electricity may remain in them.
• Make sure any towel or rug you use is not made of nylon or synthetic material, as it is often inflammable.

If your clothing, or someone else's catches fire:

• Switch off electricity at fuse box if necessary.
• Pour cold water on the flames. Watch out for electric wall sockets and electric appliances that may be on, so you don't pour water over them.
• Wrap yourself or the other