Home escape planning workshop

No. This workshop is designed for the general public with no prior fire safety training. It is particularly recommended for anyone who has recently moved home, has young children, has older relatives living with them, or has never drawn an escape plan for their home. The session is accessible and practical — you will leave with a completed (or near-complete) escape plan for your own home.

A home escape plan is a documented plan of how you and your household will get out of your home in the event of a fire. It identifies two escape routes from each room, a designated meeting point outside, and any special arrangements for household members who need assistance to evacuate. Research and fire service guidance consistently show that households with a practiced escape plan evacuate faster and more safely than those without. See our two ways out guide for the core planning framework.

Yes — the workshop is suitable for families. The session includes a section specifically on involving children in escape planning and running home fire drills. Children aged 6 and over can actively participate. For very young children (under 5), parents should plan how they will be carried or assisted to evacuate quickly. A separate downloadable activity sheet for younger children will be provided at the session.

Bring a rough floor plan (sketch or printed) of your home — this will form the basis of your escape plan. A photograph of each floor taken from a raised angle (stairwell, step ladder) works well. If you have multiple floors, one sketch per floor is helpful. Paper and pens will be provided. If you have any specific mobility or access concerns for household members, make a note of these — the session includes a section on PEEPs (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans).