Evacuation Checklist
A clear, step-by-step evacuation procedure is essential for every care home. All staff must know the procedure and practice it regularly through fire drills. This page covers the evacuation phases, a fire drill log, and assembly point guidance.
🚨 Critical Rule
Never put yourself or others at additional risk. If you discover a fire, raise the alarm immediately. Only attempt to fight a fire if it is small, you have been trained, you have the correct extinguisher, and you have a clear exit route behind you. When the alarm sounds, evacuate immediately — do not stop for personal belongings. Call 999 as soon as it is safe to do so.
Evacuation Procedure
The following phases outline what to do at each stage of a fire evacuation. These steps should be part of your care home's emergency plan and practised during fire drills.
On Discovering a Fire
- Raise the alarm — activate the nearest fire alarm call point
- Call 999 — give the address, location of fire, and any persons at risk
- Only attempt to fight the fire if it is small and you have been trained, using the correct extinguisher, and you have a clear exit route
- Do NOT put yourself at risk
- Close doors behind you as you leave the area
On Hearing the Fire Alarm
- Stop all non-essential activities immediately
- Commence evacuation procedure — start with the zone of the fire
- Evacuate residents using PEEPs — start with those at highest risk
- Check all rooms — including bathrooms, toilets, and cupboards
- Close doors and windows as you go to contain smoke and fire spread
- Do NOT use lifts
- Do NOT stop to collect personal belongings
- Assist residents with mobility needs first — they take longest to evacuate
At the Assembly Point
- Take the register / resident list and medication administration records
- Roll call — account for every resident, staff member, and visitor
- Report anyone missing to the fire service immediately
- Provide first aid as needed
- Do NOT re-enter the building until told it is safe by the fire service
After the Incident
- Record the incident fully in the fire log book
- Notify CQC if there was any injury or significant risk
- Review and update PEEPs as necessary
- Review the fire risk assessment
- Debrief staff and address any issues identified
- Arrange counselling or support for affected residents and staff
Assembly Point Guidance
The fire assembly point is where everyone gathers after evacuating. It must be clearly designated, well-known to all staff and residents, and suitable for the needs of care home residents.
Choosing an Assembly Point
- Must be a safe distance from the building (at least 1.5× the building height)
- Must not block access for Fire and Rescue Service vehicles
- Should provide shelter for residents (especially those in nightwear or with limited mobility)
- Must be accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility aids
- Clearly signposted from all exit routes
- A secondary assembly point should be identified in case the primary one is downwind of smoke
At the Assembly Point
- Take the resident register and medication administration records (MAR charts)
- Conduct an immediate roll call — account for every resident, staff member, and visitor
- Report anyone missing to the Fire and Rescue Service immediately
- Provide first aid as needed and keep residents warm and comfortable
- Do not re-enter the building until told it is safe by the Fire and Rescue Service
Fire Drill Log
Fire drills must be carried out at least twice a year and at varying times of day (including at least one at night). Use this log to record each drill, including observations and actions for improvement.
Drill Record
| Date & Time | Drill Type (planned / unannounced) | Time to Evacuate | Issues / Observations | Actions Required | Coordinated By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fire Safety Equipment Checks
| Equipment | Check Frequency | Last Checked | Next Due | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Alarm System | Weekly test, annual service | |||
| Emergency Lighting | Monthly test, annual full discharge | |||
| Fire Extinguishers | Monthly visual, annual service | |||
| Fire Doors | Weekly visual, quarterly inspection | |||
| Sprinkler System (if fitted) | Weekly test, annual service |
Official Resources
⚠️ Important Notice
The evacuation guidance on Care Handbook is for informational purposes only and does not replace your care home's emergency plan. You must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and ensure your emergency plan is specific to your premises. Always consult a qualified fire safety professional and your local Fire and Rescue Service. In a fire emergency, always call 999.