The debate between 'stay put' and simultaneous evacuation has intensified post-Grenfell. We explain when each strategy is appropriate and the fire engineering behind the decision.. Understanding the Strategies Stay Put Residents not directly affected by fire remain in their flats. Relies on compartmentation to contain fire and smoke. Standard strategy for purpose built blocks of flats. Simultaneous Evacuation All residents evacuate when the alarm sounds. Standard for buildings with a common alarm system, such as HMOs and converted buildings. Phased Evacuation Fire floor and floor above evacuate first, followed by other floors if necessary. Common in commercial buildings. When Stay Put Fails Stay put relies on: Intact compartmentation — fire doors, walls, and floors maintaining their rated performance Limited external fire spread — no combustible cladding Working fire detection — to alert affected residents Where any of these fail, the strategy may need to be changed to simultaneous evacuation, with significant implications. Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require building owners to prepare PEEPs for disabled residents. This includes: Individual evacuation plans Equipment provision (evacuation chairs, etc.) Staff/volunteer evacuation team training Making the Decision The choice of evacuation strategy must be based on: 1. Building construction and compartmentation quality 2. Height and complexity 3. Occupant profile and mobility 4. Fire detection and alarm systems 5. Fire service access and response times Need help determining the right evacuation strategy? Contact us.