A Bradford fire chief has urged people to draw up an action plan in the event of their home catching fire.

The call came as the brigade launched its fire safety week and prepared for a host of events in the city centre tomorrow.

As well as promoting general fire safety, the thrust of this year's campaign is to ensure all households have a detailed plan on what to do in the event of a blaze.

Brian Robson, commander of Bradford Fire station, said: "People need to make an action plan and get everyone in the household involved so they all know what to do."

The plan should begin with a study of the home to find a practical escape route. Alternative routes should be identified in case the main route becomes blocked.

"Once these have been highlighted they must be kept clear of any obstacles which could hinder an escape," said Mr Robson.

He stressed that all occupants must be taken into account when the plan was being drawn up, with special attention being paid to children, the disabled and elderly.

Regular "drills" of the plan would help ensure it ran smoothly and it should be regularly updated if changes were made to the home, he added.

While it was important to keep doors and windows secure, they must be easily opened from the inside, with keys readily available to all those who needed them.

"If people live higher than the first storey of their building, or find that their escape route is blocked, it is safer they protect themselves, stay put and wait for the fire brigade to come and rescue them."

Thursday's fire safety event takes place in Centenary Square and includes displays on chip pan fires, a mobile cinema and a safety house where visitors can experience what it's like to be in a smoke-filled property.