The plea follows new NSW Fire Brigades research that has showed that in the last 18 months at least 13 people have died in accidental house fires because they didn't get out of their house fast enough.

These deaths could have been prevented.

August 31 is Evacuation Day, an annual NSW Fire Brigades initiative to encourage all families to take some time over the weekend to plan how they would escape from their home if there is a fire.

"As firefighters we know first hand how important an evacuation plan is, station officer Mr Ernie Vinecombe said.

"In a house fire it is very easy to become disoriented because of the thick smoke and because many house fires happen at night.

"Victims often lose precious seconds and it is these seconds that are the difference between life and death.

"The best advice I can give any family is that they have to plan to stay alive.

"Spend 20 minutes with your family, even if your children are young, and work out an evacuation plan.

"Show your children how they can escape from each room, and make sure they know where to meet you once they are out of the house," Mr Vinecombe said.

The NSW Fire Brigades has some tips for making a home evacuation plan on their website, www.nswfb.nsw.gov.au and the community is encouraged to visit Bega Fire Station to get free advice from Bega firefighters who are fire evacuation experts.

Of the 21 accidental home fire deaths that were investigated by the NSW Fire Brigades' fire investigation and research unit since the start of 2001, 13 of the victims would have been much more likely to survive if they had had an evacuation plan to help them get out of their homes faster.

Evacuation Tips:

* Remember an evacuation plan goes "hand in hand" with your smoke alarm. One is to alert you of the fire, the other is a plan to get you out alive.

* Make sure you know two ways out of every room.

* Every home needs a designated meeting place that you should evacuate to.

* Remember - if there is a fire in your home, do not wait! Every second counts! Evacuate immediately and then call 000 from your neighbour's home.

Phone station officer Ernie Vinecombe on 6492-1478 or 6492-1775 for more information.