Fire at work: evacuation step by step (office, school, plant)

Fire at work: evacuation: what to do, step by step

⏱ 2 min read

Fire alarm in an office, school or plant. Below: what to do right away, what next, when to call 112 and what to avoid. The same instructions are in the free SurvivalZone.app and work without internet.

Open in the app (works offline)

First, right now

Raise the alarm: shout "Fire!" and press the red fire alarm call point if one is near.
Call 112. Give the address, floor, what is burning and whether anyone is inside.
Leave at once by the nearest fire exit, following the green signs. Leave your things.

Then

Only fight a small fire, and only with a clear way out behind you. Use the right extinguisher or a fire blanket.
Never use the lift. Take the stairs.
Close doors behind you. It slows fire and smoke.
In smoke, stay low and cover your mouth and nose, ideally with damp cloth.
Help colleagues with disabilities, visitors and new staff. If someone cannot get down, tell firefighters where they are.
Go to the assembly point and report to the fire warden. Say if anyone is missing.
Don't go back in until the fire service says it is safe.

When to call 112

Whenever you see fire or smoke or hear the alarm and don't know whether the fire service has been called. Two calls are better than none.

What not to do

Don't open a door with smoke behind it or one that is hot to touch.
Don't use water on electrical equipment or burning oil.
Don't block escape routes or wedge fire doors open.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if a fire breaks out at work?

Raise the alarm, call 112 and leave at once by the nearest fire exit, using the stairs. Go to the assembly point and don't go back for belongings.

Can I use the lift in a fire?

No. A lift can stop or open on a burning floor. Always use the stairs.

Who is responsible for fire safety at work?

The employer or the person in control of the premises must assess fire risks, keep escape routes clear and train staff, according to UK government guidance.

Keep it on your phone

SurvivalZone.app is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.

Open SurvivalZone.app

Thank you for reading. If this could help someone, send it to the people you care about. Getting ready takes a moment, and in a crisis every minute counts.

Coming soon: the app’s permanent address will be survivalzone.app.

Other scenarios

Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-04.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.