Housing Fire Safety Policy - Evacuation arrangements

8. Evacuation arrangements 

8.1. We will ensure each building has an evacuation strategy stated clearly within the FRA. The evacuation strategy will be agreed with the competent person undertaking the FRA, however as a general guide the following different arrangements will apply for residential accommodation with common parts: Purpose built accommodation will generally have a ‘stay put’ or ‘stay safe’ policy. Occupants should stay in their home provided they feel it is safe to do so. The ‘stay put’ policy may change based on the instructions of the Fire and Rescue Service during an emergency. Converted accommodation will generally have a ‘simultaneous “full” evacuation’ policy. All occupants should self-evacuate in the event of fire or once the fire alarm sounds. Residential buildings that are managed 24 hours or which house vulnerable residents may require bespoke evacuation strategies specific to the premises (outlined below in ‘Assisted Evacuation’). Assisted Evacuation 

8.2. In general needs accommodation, where practicable and should assistance be requested, the Council will provide advice and guidance to assist residents in developing their own means of escape plan in general needs premises. This will not involve the assistance of staff in the evacuation. 

8.3. In Specialised Housing, assessment of individuals will be made by appropriate staff. This will involve detailed and up-to-date records of occupants; in some buildings they will require person centred fire risk assessments (PCFRAs). Assistance in evacuation provided by staff will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The Fire and Rescue Service may be included in the process and where required appropriate information will be held on site. 

8.4. Where provided, equipment to aid evacuation (e.g. fire extinguishers) should only be used by appropriately qualified or trained persons e.g., the Fire and Rescue Service.