A stay put policy is a fire evacuation strategy commonly used in purpose-built blocks of flats. It relies on effective compartmentation, fire doors and fire safety management to help prevent fire and smoke spreading from one flat to another. This guide explains what stay put means, when it may be suitable, when it should be reviewed and how it links to the fire risk assessment for the building.
Quick Answer
A stay put policy means that, if there is a fire elsewhere in a purpose-built block of flats, residents not directly affected by fire or smoke may normally be safer remaining in their own flat while the fire and rescue service deals with the incident. It relies on effective compartmentation, fire doors and building fire safety measures. It should be reviewed if those measures are compromised.
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.
When Is Stay Put Suitable?
Stay put may be suitable where compartmentation, flat entrance doors, common escape routes, smoke control, resident information and fire safety management are appropriate for the building. The strategy should be consistent with the fire risk assessment, building design and any fire strategy information available.
| Stay Put Relies On | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Compartmentation | Helps stop fire and smoke spreading quickly between flats and common areas. |
| Flat entrance doors | Protect common escape routes and support containment. |
| Protected stairs and corridors | Allow affected residents to leave and firefighters to operate. |
| Clear resident information | Residents need to understand what to do if there is a fire in their flat or elsewhere. |
| Ongoing inspection and maintenance | Defects can undermine the strategy if they are not identified and fixed. |
When Should a Stay Put Policy Be Reviewed?
A stay put policy should be reviewed where the fire risk assessment identifies concerns about compartmentation, fire doors, smoke spread, alarms, resident vulnerability, external walls, refurbishment work or changes to the building. It may also need review after a fire, enforcement action, resident concern or significant change in occupancy.
If serious defects are found, temporary arrangements may be needed while remedial work is planned and completed. This can include changes to evacuation strategy, additional resident communication or other interim measures.
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.
Need a Stay Put Strategy Reviewed?
Fire Risk Assessment Network can help arrange fire risk assessments, fire door inspections and related fire safety reviews for blocks of flats and residential buildings.
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.
Related guides: fire safety in tower blocks, fire evacuation strategies, fire door inspections and fire compartmentation surveys.
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.
Does stay put mean residents must never leave?
No. Residents should leave if their flat is affected by fire or smoke, if they are in the common parts, if told to leave by the fire and rescue service, or if they feel unsafe and can leave safely.
Does a stay put policy need a fire risk assessment?
Yes. The fire risk assessment should consider whether the building’s fire safety measures support the stated evacuation strategy.
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