If your escape route is blocked
When the fire is between you and your escape route, you have to react in a different way.
Get out of a window
You may be able to escape through a window if you are on the ground or the first floor. If you’re on the first floor you should only do this as a last resort – when you are in immediate danger.
Cushion your fall
Throw bedding, cushions, etc, onto the ground to break your fall.
Don’t jump
Lower yourself by your arms from the window ledge before dropping.
Lower children
If there are two adults, one should go down first to catch children. The other should lie down and lower children as far as possible before letting them drop.
If you have to break the window
Use a heavy object to hit the glass at the bottom corner. Make the jagged edges safe with a towel or blanket.
Find a safe place to wait
When your escape route is blocked and you can’t use a window, you need to keep safe in the building, this should be a room with a window and ideally a phone.
Get everyone into one room
Choose a room with a window and a telephone if possible. Close the door.
Block the door
Put cushions, bedding, etc, around the bottom of the door to block smoke.
Open the window and call for help
It’s important to let people know you are there, and if you haven’t managed to call 999 you need to raise the alarm.
Stay by the window
Lean out of the window to breathe if you need to. Keep drawing attention to yourself.