New changes under Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 will offer extra protection to high-rise residents during emergencies.

The focus of the new regulations will be on improving evacuation procedures for those who may need help leaving a building during an emergency.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) said the regulations will support those living in high-rise blocks who may be unable to evacuate without assistance.

Matthew Rowe, group manager for protection support at HIWFRS, said: "Everyone deserves to feel safe at home. These new regulations give clearer expectations for the Responsible Person of a high-rise premises and more support for residents who may need help in an emergency, and we welcome that.

"Once the new information has been collected by the Responsible Person and made available to HIWFRS, we can then use this to help us respond as effectively as possible if a fire does occur. If a resident thinks they may benefit from these new arrangements, we’d encourage them to get in touch with their Responsible Person or building owner."

The regulations will introduce a formal process for building owners to identify and then support residents who could face challenges during a fife evacuation. This includes the creation of Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs).

Building owners and managing agents must make reasonable efforts to identify residents who may need evacuation support, offer a person-centred fire risk assessment, and work with the resident to create an emergency evacuation statement if desired. A building-wide evacuation plan must also be developed and maintained.

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