How to write a fire action notice that actually works

Most UK fire action notices are written by someone who has never been in a fire. They're legalese, dense, and bullet-pointed in a way that nobody reading under stress will actually parse. The Fire Safety Order 2005 doesn't prescribe wording — it just requires "suitable" signage. That gives you room to write something better.

What the notice has to do

In a fire, a person needs to know — within about three seconds of glancing at the notice — three things: raise the alarm, evacuate, where to go. Anything else is bonus. If your notice can't deliver those three things in a glance, it's decoration, not a control.

The structure that works

Number the actions. Use imperative verbs. Keep each line under 8 words. Display the assembly point with a map.

1. Raise the alarm. Break the nearest red glass.
2. Call 999. Ask for fire. Give address: [your address].
3. Leave the building. Use the nearest exit. Do not use lifts.
4. Go to assembly point. [Location with simple map].
5. Do not return. Wait for the fire warden or fire brigade.

That's a fire action notice. Five lines. A reader under stress can do it.

What to leave off

Don't put: legal references (the Fire Safety Order doesn't need to be cited on the notice). Don't put: long discharge procedures for fire extinguishers (most building occupants shouldn't use them at all). Don't put: marketing or branding above the action steps.

Where to display it

Adjacent to every fire alarm call point, at every staircase, at every fire exit, and in every meeting room and break room. The 1-in-200 rule for character height applies.

For the full regulatory background, see our fire action notice requirements UK guide. We supply pre-printed and bespoke fire action notices in stock and to spec.