IT IS 2.30am and you wake up suddenly - your home is on fire.

Thick smoke is everywhere, the lights won't work, it's pitch black and you can't find the door, let alone the children.

It's a nightmare scenario but it could happen - and Dorset fire officers want you to be ready if it does.

The county's fire and rescue service today urged homeowners to draw up escape plans under a new national campaign to cut the deaths from blazes.

The new initiative - Make your plan ... Get out alive - encourages householders to make a fire action plan mapping out all practical escape routes, installing smoke alarms and regularly conducting fire drills.

Martin Chapman, Chief Fire Officer of Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Four people were killed in fire-related incidents last year in Dorset.

"Making a fire action plan and thinking about how you would escape from your home can increase your chances of surviving a house fire. Officers urge people to include the following in a fire action plan:

Identify all practical escape routes and keep them clear.

Work out the best way to get out in the event of a fire.

Know when it would be best to stay put and wait for rescue.

Take everyone into account when making the plan.

Keep door and window keys where you can all find them.

Practice your fire action plan and make sure everyone knows it.

Householders are urged to visit the www.dorsetfire. co.uk website and call (01202) 844630 for more safety advice.