Stay Put or Simultaneous Evacuation: What Should You Do?
In residential buildings, the correct response to a fire depends on the building’s evacuation strategy. Understanding whether your building operates a stay put or simultaneous evacuation policy can help you act safely in an emergency.
What Is a Stay Put Strategy?
A stay put strategy is commonly used in purpose-built blocks of flats where fire-resistant compartmentation is designed to contain a fire within the flat where it starts. Residents in unaffected flats should normally remain in their homes unless instructed otherwise by the fire and rescue service.
If there’s a fire in your flat:
- Leave immediately
- Close doors behind you
- Call 999
- Do not re-enter until told it is safe
If the fire is elsewhere:
- Remain in your flat
- Keep doors and windows closed
- Follow any instructions from firefighters
What Is Simultaneous Evacuation?
A simultaneous evacuation strategy requires all residents to leave the building when the alarm sounds. This approach may be adopted where fire safety concerns mean a stay put policy is no longer appropriate. A common fire alarm system is often installed to alert all occupants at the same time.
If the alarm sounds:
- Leave immediately using the nearest safe escape route
- Do not use lifts unless specifically designated for evacuation
- Go to the assembly point
- Do not re-enter until authorised
Your building's fire strategy should be communicated by the building owner, managing agent or Responsible Person through resident communications and fire action notices. If you are unsure, ask your building manager and familiarise yourself with the fire safety information provided for your building.