What Is a ‘Stay Put’ Policy?

Fires are destructive. Life can be lost, and there can be a lot of damage. When people look into fire safety for their block of flats, they will want to know what it means to ‘Stay Put’. Here is our guide to the ‘Stay Put’ policy.

What Is A ‘Stay Put’ Policy?

A ‘Stay Put’ Policy is an evacuation strategy used in purpose-built blocks of flats. When a ‘Stay Put’ policy is put into effect, it’s to keep people safe when they are not in an area directly affected by the fire.

If a fire is not in their flat, they should stay inside with the doors and the windows closed. If a fire should occur in a person’s flat or common areas of a building, they would be advised to evacuate and call the fire and rescue services.

You are not legally obliged to stay put if you wish to leave in the event of a fire.

A Stay Put policy is only appropriate where a building has been designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between flats and into common areas. Its suitability must be confirmed through a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

Why Is A ‘Stay Put’ Policy Used?

Buildings built with concrete, fire doors, fire compartmentation and other fire protection can create a protective barrier against fire and keep residents safe by staying in their flats. Using a ‘Stay Put’ policy also allows firefighters to do their job quickly, easily and safely without mass panic.

When a Stay Put Policy May Not Be Appropriate

A Stay Put policy may no longer be appropriate where a building has known fire safety defects, such as compromised compartmentation, unsafe cladding, or defective fire doors. In such cases, alternative evacuation strategies — including simultaneous evacuation — may be required, either temporarily or permanently.

The Responsible Person must ensure that the evacuation strategy for the building — including any Stay Put policy — is appropriate, documented within the fire risk assessment, and reviewed if building conditions or risks change.

Who Uses A ‘Stay Put’ Policy?

The ‘Stay Put’ policy works well, but that doesn’t mean that everyone likes it or would do it if there was a fire around them.

During Fire Door Safety Week, people were asked if they would practice the ‘Stay Put’ policy if a fire broke out in their building. 72% of the people said they would not stay in their building if there were a fire, even if it was not in their flat. They would evacuate the building to get to safety.

39% of the surveyed people said that they didn’t feel confident that their building was made well enough to make sure that it would protect them from the fire and the smoke. They said that they would leave the building right away if there were a fire in it.

Some people didn’t know who was responsible for the building. They were not sure that the landlord is the one that takes care of it, and they didn’t have the confidence that they should have in them. They should make sure that they get to know their landlord better and find out their plan of action for their building.

Residents should be clearly informed of the evacuation strategy for their building, including whether a Stay Put policy applies and under what circumstances they should evacuate. This information should be reviewed and communicated whenever fire risk assessments or building conditions change.

Conclusion

Fire safety is essential, and people should know what to do in the event of a fire. You should know what the appropriate fire evacuation and safety policies are within any building you are in. A ‘Stay Put’ policy can keep residents safe and allow fire and rescue services to battle a blaze effectively.

FAQ About Stay Put Policy

What Is a Stay Put Policy?

A Stay Put policy is a fire evacuation strategy used in purpose-built blocks of flats. If a fire occurs in another flat or a different part of the building, residents are advised to remain inside their own flat unless directly affected, as the building should be designed to resist the spread of fire and smoke.

Am I Legally Required to Stay Put During a Fire?

No. Residents are not legally obliged to stay in their flat during a fire. A Stay Put policy is guidance based on building design and fire risk assessment, but individuals may choose to evacuate if they feel unsafe.

When Is a Stay Put Policy Appropriate?

A Stay Put policy is only appropriate where a building has been properly designed, constructed, and maintained, with effective fire compartmentation, compliant fire doors, and no known serious fire safety defects. Its suitability must be confirmed by a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

When Should a Stay Put Policy Not Be Used?

A Stay Put policy may not be appropriate where there are known fire safety issues, such as:

• Compromised compartmentation
• Unsafe external wall systems or cladding
• Defective or poorly maintained fire doors

In these situations, an alternative evacuation strategy — such as simultaneous evacuation — may be required.

Who Decides the Evacuation Strategy for a Building?

The evacuation strategy is determined by the Responsible Person, based on the findings of the fire risk assessment and, where necessary, advice from competent fire safety professionals and fire and rescue services.

How Should Residents Be Informed About a Stay Put Policy?

Residents should be clearly informed about the evacuation strategy for their building, including:

• Whether a Stay Put policy applies
• When they should evacuate
• What to do if conditions change

This information should be reviewed and communicated whenever fire risk assessments are updated or building conditions change.

Can a Stay Put Policy Change Over Time?

Yes. A Stay Put policy can be reviewed, suspended, or replaced if building conditions change or new fire risks are identified. Evacuation strategies should always reflect the current fire risk profile of the building.