Designing an Evacuation Strategy for Your Business
Every business needs a clear plan for getting people out of the building safely in a fire. This guide explains what an evacuation strategy is, who is responsible for it and how fire protection systems support it.
Between June 2020 and June 2021, the UK Fire & Rescue Service attended
149,779 fires.
These incidents resulted in 249 deaths and 6,387 injuries, highlighting the urgent need for improved risk reduction and fire safety awareness.
Since the tragic Grenfell Tower disaster, fire protection has become a much stronger national priority. More buildings are now being equipped with essential fire protection systems such as dry and wet risers, which enable firefighters to tackle fires more effectively — especially in high-rise buildings where access can be complex.
However, relying solely on firefighting equipment and emergency services isn’t enough. While the UK Fire & Rescue Service is exceptional, the average response time for fire engines is 8 minutes and 39 seconds. That’s why it’s crucial for businesses to have a detailed evacuation strategy in place — one that helps staff and visitors leave safely while minimising risk before help arrives.
What Is an Evacuation Strategy?
An evacuation strategy is a structured plan that details how everyone in a building can leave quickly and safely during an emergency. It identifies where people should go and who is responsible for managing the evacuation process.
No two businesses are the same, so there is no one-size-fits-all strategy. The requirements will vary based on building design, layout, occupancy levels, and the type of activities being carried out. However, every strategy should include the following key points:
- An overview of designated emergency routes and exits that lead directly to safety
- Clear guidance on which routes to use based on a person’s location within the building
- Identification of secondary routes in case primary routes are blocked
- Information about the dedicated assembly point
- Details of appointed fire marshals and their specific responsibilities
- Confirmation of what triggers an evacuation (e.g. fire alarm activation)
- Instructions for assisting vulnerable individuals or those with mobility issues
- Procedures for evacuating anyone injured during the emergency
Employer Responsibilities
A robust evacuation strategy should be developed with input from both employees and the building owner or facilities manager. However, employers hold several key responsibilities, including:
- Working with building management to improve evacuation safety — such as by installing or upgrading fire protection systems like sprinklers.
- Designating a safe assembly point located away from the building and protected from adverse weather, where a roll call can be taken.
- Ensuring all emergency doors can be opened easily and immediately in the event of an evacuation.
- Keeping escape routes clear at all times and preventing the storage of items that could block passageways.
- Installing and maintaining emergency lighting to aid visibility during low-light evacuations.
- Clearly communicating the evacuation plan, providing training to new staff, and ensuring it remains accessible and up to date.
Protect Your Business and Your People
An evacuation strategy isn’t just vital for fire safety — it’s an essential plan for responding to any type of emergency, including severe weather or structural hazards. A clear and practised strategy can make all the difference in protecting lives.
To learn how you can strengthen your evacuation plan with the right fire protection systems,
contact Eversafe Fire Protection online,
or email us directly at info@eversafefire.com.