It may be the last month of spring, but there’s still time to squeeze in a final spring clean. Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to clear the clutter that may be blocking escape routes and to make sure their family, guests and loved ones know how to get out, stay out, and call 999 in the event of a fire.
Group Manager, Paul Thomas, said: “It’s very important to have a plan in place in case of an emergency. If everybody in your household knows the escape plan, they will have a much better chance of getting out safely should a fire break out.
“Additionally, you should make sure you have a smoke alarm fitted on every level of your home to provide you with an early warning and give you vital time to escape. If you already have an escape plan in place, make sure that every member or guest in your household knows it and what to do in an emergency situation – it could save lives.”
This week, make time for your home and take some simple steps to help keep your loved ones safe:
- Think about how you’d all get out in case of a fire. Making an escape plan and practising it will help ensure that everyone can get out, stay out and call 999.
- Fit at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home so smoke can reach the alarms quicker, giving you more warning time.
- Test your smoke alarms weekly. Smoke alarms can save your life, but only if they work.
- Clear your escape routes. Make sure you’re able to escape without tripping over to ensure a speedy exit.
- Keep your door and window keys in a known and accessible place. Make sure everyone knows where the door and window keys are kept so they can reach them easily and get out quicker in case of a fire.
For more information about escape routes and how to make a safe escape plan, visit: rbfrs.co.uk/escapeplan.