Firefighters have urged people to keep escape routes clear and familiarise themselves with emergency evacuation plans.
The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) issued the advice to residents and business owners across Berkshire.
The service advised people to have a second escape route in case the primary one is blocked.
Businesses must have designated fire escapes that are clearly marked.
Gareth Murphy, fire safety manager for RBFRS, stated: "Fires can happen at any time so it's important to have an emergency escape plan that is either easily accessible or that everyone is familiar with."
He added: "Make sure that everyone who needs to know understands the escape plan.
"Every so often, take a few minutes to practise the plan, so that you can act quickly in a stressful emergency situation."
The fire service also emphasised the importance of regularly testing smoke alarms to ensure they are functioning.
The RBFRS has provided a set of guidelines to help in planning and executing an effective escape route in case of emergencies.
The guidance also includes instructions for the responsible person for high-rise buildings, urging them to have an emergency evacuation plan in place.
This ensures that residents are aware of the procedures to follow in the event of a fire.
Business owners are also encouraged to develop an emergency evacuation plan for their establishments.
The fire service recommends that domestic properties use their usual entry and exit points as their primary escape routes.
However, it advises having a secondary route ready in case the primary one becomes inaccessible.
Fire escapes in businesses should be assessed as part of the fire risk assessment, with the number and suitability of the escapes being scrutinised.
It is essential to keep all escape routes free from obstructions.
Residents and employees should be informed of the location of keys for doors and windows, which should always be kept in the same place.
The fire service also encourages households and businesses to regularly review their escape plans with all members of the household or employees.
In case escape routes are blocked, individuals are advised to find a room to take refuge in, preferably one with a window and a phone.
Smoke should be blocked from entering the room by placing bedding around the bottom of the door.
For high-rise building residents, the fire service advises planning and practising an escape route.
In the event of a fire inside the flat, residents are advised to alert everyone inside, leave the premises following the escape plan, and call 999 once in a safe place.
