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We all hope we’ll never face a fire emergency, but being prepared can make a huge difference. Having a fire escape plan in place for your home or business gives you and your loved ones, or employees, peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to easily create a fire escape plan that works. Let's dive in...

Why You Need a Fire Escape Plan

Did you know that a small fire can become life-threatening in less than two minutes? Fires spread fast, and knowing exactly what to do ahead of time is key to keeping everyone safe. A fire escape plan ensures everyone knows where to go and how to get out quickly when it matters most.

Step 1: Check Your Space for Exit Points

First things first, you need to check your home or office for all possible escape routes. Identify doors, windows, and stairways that could serve as exits during a fire.

• In homes, check if windows are easy to open and large enough for someone to get through.
• In businesses, ensure fire exits are clearly marked and always kept clear.

In Irish homes, especially older ones, you may find windows or doors that are harder to open. Make sure these are accessible in an emergency.

Step 2: Plan Two Escape Routes for Every Room

You should have at least two escape routes from every room, just in case one is blocked by fire or smoke.

• For homes, that could be the door and a window.
• For businesses, ensure you have a main exit and a backup route, like a fire escape or another door.

Draw a simple map of your home or office showing the exits. This doesn’t have to be fancy—a quick sketch will do!

Step 3: Choose a Safe Meeting Spot Outside

Next, decide on a safe meeting point outside. This is where everyone should gather after escaping the building.

Pick a spot that’s easy to get to, but far enough from the building to avoid any danger. For homes, it could be a neighbour’s driveway. For businesses, it might be the car park or a nearby landmark.

Step 4: Make Special Arrangements for Kids, Elderly, and Pets

Kids: Teach them what to do if they hear the fire alarm and practice your escape routes with them.

Elderly or Disabled: Make sure there’s someone assigned to assist them in case they need help.

Pets: Have carriers or leads easily accessible for a quick escape with your furry friends.

Step 5: Practice Your Plan (Yes, Really!)

Once your plan is in place, it’s time to practice it. Yep, this means running a fire drill with everyone in the house or office. You should do this at least twice a year.

• Practice both day and night drills to cover all scenarios.
• Time your escape—quicker is better, but stay calm and focused.

Your fire escape plan should work hand-in-hand with fire safety equipment. Make sure you have working

smoke alarms and test them monthly, especially in high-risk areas like the kitchen or near sleeping areas.

Fire Extinguishers - Know where they’re located and how to use them. We have a guide available here on which type of extinguishers you should use. Make sure they’re serviced regularly, especially in businesses.

Carbon monoxide detectors are a must-have in homes and businesses across Ireland.

Stay safe!