Dartford mum urges other families to have an escape plan

by | May 20, 2016 | Dartford News

A Dartford mum is urging other families across the county to have an escape plan and to practice it regularly, after a fire in her home earlier this year.

The fire started in the early hours of 1 March 2016 when the immersion heater in the airing cupboard developed a fault and caught fire. The family all managed to escape safely.

Cheryl Woodgate, who lived at Brewers Field until the terrifying fire, recently took her children to meet the Dartford firefighters who attended their house fire, in the hope it would help her two children (aged 3 and 6), who were still affected by the fire.

The firefighters talked to the children about what happened that night, the family were given a tour around the fire station and one of the fire engines that was used to tackle the blaze.

For more information about family safety please call 0800 923 7000

Make an escape plan

Plan and practice

Think ahead, make an escape plan so that you and everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire. Take everyone into account when making your plan – it is important to think about any children, or older or disabled people who may need extra help to get out.
•Your best escape route is your normal way in and out of your home, but decide on a different route too, in case it is blocked.
•Make sure you know where keys to any doors or windows are.

•Keep all routes clear of anything that may hinder your escape, like furniture, rubbish, clothing or prams and bicycles.
•Get everyone involved in making your escape plan – if you have children or young people in the house, get them involved by turning it into a game – who can get out of the house the safest and quickest? The more they know about the plan the better they will understand what to do if there is a fire.
•Visitors also need to know about your escape plan – what’s the quickest and safest route to exit?
•Make sure you fit smoke alarms on each floor of your property, and test them once a week.

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | TO THE FANS

CLASS OF 2024-25 | TO THE FANS The matchday programme for our Playoff Final against Dover Athletic featured messages from the Dartford players to our supporters. For those who missed them, here are those messages: Josh Hill:"I just want to say a big thank you. The...

Dartford Borough Council marks 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe – a pivotal moment in our shared history. Following a poignant wreath-laying event on the actual day, Dartford Borough Council is marking this important anniversary on Sunday 18th May in Dartford’s Central...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | SEASON REVIEW

The Playoff Semi-Final saw Dartford host Cray Valley PM in a thrilling encounter on a lovely evening in Kent. The matchday programme that evening featured our review of the 2024-25 season. For those who missed it, here is the full article: As the 2024-25 Isthmian...

Forward2Employment: Empowering Young People with SEND to Succeed in the Workforce

Forward2Employment works alongside Fortis Trust to support young people, with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND), in Kent, to find permanent and purposeful employment. We provide Supported Internships for young adults, with an Education, Health and...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | THE RACE FOR THE GOLDEN BOOT

As Dartford hosted Carshalton Athletic on the final day of the regular season, our matchday programme featured four players who were chasing the Dartford Golden Boot. For those who missed it, here is the full article: Regardless of what happens come the end of this...

ULTRASUN AND SKINSENSE TO LAUNCH EXCLUSIVE PRE-SUMMER SPF & SKINCARE POP-UP AT BLUEWATER

The best-selling sun protection and targeted skincare brands’ store opens 8th May 2025. Lamellar-based UV protection brand Ultrasun and advanced skincare brand SkinSense are teaming up for a unique pop-up store at Kent’s Bluewater Shopping Centre, running from May 8th...

Home Instead Dartford Commits to Environmental Sustainability by Offsetting All Carbon Emissions

Home Instead Dartford, a leading local provider of in-home care for older adults, is taking significant action to reduce its environmental footprint by committing to offset 100% of its carbon emissions. This ambitious step covers all aspects of the business's...

NEXT to triple its footprint at Bluewater, with a new store opening in 2026

Bluewater has announced that leading retailer NEXT will significantly grow its presence at the Kent-based shopping centre by tripling its footprint. NEXT’s Bluewater store will become one of its largest stores in the UK once the doors open in 2026. The...

We Are Beams rated ‘OUTSTANDING’ by Ofsted

Dragons Retreat, a vital short breaks service run by local charity We Are Beams, has received the highest possible rating of ‘Outstanding’ from Ofsted following a rigorous and comprehensive inspection With six fully fitted bedrooms, Dragon’s Retreat is an independent...

Orchard West partners with Dartford Borough Council to launch a Spring/Summer Season of Community Events.

EVENTS INCLUDE: Community Fair – Sat 10 May, Sat 7 June, Sat 5 July – local businesses, makers, bakers, showcase their products and services in this free-to-attend event at Acacia Sports Hall. Open House – Sat 24 May 11am - Experience a special access-all-areas open...