FOR THE ATTENTION OF: almshouse charities with residents that have cognitive, mobility or any other issues that could affect their ability to respond to fire alarms.

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPS) – ‘Fire Safety in Specialised Housing’

In specialised housing schemes, such as sheltered, extra-care and supported housing, there will be reliance, ultimately, on rescue by the fire and rescue service in the event that residents cannot escape by themselves.

While detailed PEEPs need not be prepared for every resident, information should be collated in respect of any resident with particular cognitive, mobility or other issues affecting their ability to respond to fire alarm signals or attempts to make contact with them by fire-fighters, or to escape.

When collating and maintaining the list, it is important to have the following in place:

  • The information should be made available to the fire and rescue service on arrival at the premises
  • The information should be kept at the main entrance in a ‘premises information box’ (PIB), which can only be unlocked by the fire and rescue service, or remotely by an alarm receiving centre.
  • Details of any residents using oxygen or other medical gases are also usually kept with this information. (It is important that operational fire-fighters are aware of arrangements for provision of information).
  • Consideration can also be given to the provision of a plan adjacent to the fire alarm control panel, showing the locations of residents who would need instruction or assistance to evacuate their own flat (e.g., by means of a red stick-on dot). 
  • It is essential that such information is kept up to date to avoid the provision of incorrect information to fire and rescue service crews.
  • Sometimes more able-bodied neighbours (when present) are often willing to support those in need. If so, they would need to be provided with guidance so they do not endanger themselves.

Further guidance on ‘Fire Safety in Specialised Housing’ can be accessed from the National Fire Chiefs Council website here.

6 January 2025