Residential evacuation plans need to do more than exist on paper. New research from Evac+Chair’s Beyond Stay Put white paper explores the challenges of putting evacuation arrangements into practice and how buildings can better protect residents who may need assistance during a fire.
Stay Put relies on a building’s fire protection measures containing a fire within one area, allowing residents in other parts of the building to remain in their homes.
However, when those measures fail, residents may be left without a clear alternative. Evac+Chair’s research highlights the importance of reviewing how Stay Put policies work in practice and ensuring there are contingency arrangements if conditions change.
Personalised evacuation plans are an important step towards identifying residents who may need support. But identifying those needs is only the beginning.
Building managers must also consider who will provide assistance, what equipment is required, whether staff are properly trained and how arrangements will work during an emergency. Plans need to reflect the individual building and the people living there, with clear responsibilities for everyone involved.
Care homes face additional challenges because some residents may need significant assistance to evacuate safely.
Evac+Chair’s research highlights the need for clearer guidance on when Stay Put is appropriate in care settings and what alternatives should be available. Having suitable equipment, trained staff and clear procedures in place can help ensure residents receive the support they need if evacuation becomes necessary.
Effective evacuation planning requires more than documentation. Buildings need practical, risk-based arrangements that are regularly reviewed and supported by appropriate equipment, training and resources.
As Evac+Chair’s Beyond Stay Put white paper highlights, a plan is only effective if it can be put into practice. Ensuring arrangements work for the building and its residents is essential to improving fire safety and protecting those who may be most vulnerable in an emergency.
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