Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)
A PEEP is a personalised plan that sets out how a specific person will be evacuated in an emergency. Every care home resident who may need assistance to evacuate must have a PEEP — this includes people with limited mobility, sensory impairments, or cognitive conditions.
Why PEEPs Are Essential
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must ensure that “effective arrangements ... are made for the evacuation of relevant persons”. In a care home, where many residents cannot evacuate independently, PEEPs are how this duty is fulfilled in practice.
- A PEEP ensures each resident's specific needs are planned for before an emergency occurs
- Staff know exactly who needs help, what equipment is needed, and which route to use
- PEEPs must be reviewed regularly — at least annually, or when a resident's needs change
- CQC inspectors specifically look for PEEPs during “Safe” key question assessments
PEEP Template
Complete this form for each resident. The plan should be shared with all staff, kept in an accessible location, and reviewed at least annually or when the resident's condition changes. Print this page for a paper version.
Resident Information
Mobility & Evacuation Needs
Sensory & Cognitive Needs
Medical Needs
Evacuation Plan
Sign-Off
Guidance on Completing PEEPs
Mobility & Evacuation
Consider how the person moves around normally and how this changes in an emergency. Can they walk with a frame but not stairs? Do they need a wheelchair, evacuation chair, or carry sheet? Always identify at least two evacuation routes in case the primary route is blocked by fire.
Sensory & Cognitive Needs
A person with hearing loss may not hear the alarm — consider vibrating pagers or flashing beacons. A person with dementia may not understand what the alarm means or may resist leaving their room. Staff need to know how to communicate with and reassure each resident during evacuation.
Medical Needs
Residents who use oxygen present an additional fire risk and need their oxygen supply considered in their evacuation. Anyone connected to medical equipment (e.g., a ventilator or drip) needs a plan for safe disconnection or portable alternatives.
Night-Time Evacuation
Night-time is often the most dangerous time for fire in a care home because staffing levels are lower and many residents are asleep. PEEPs must specify how many staff are needed to evacuate each person and this must be checked against night staffing levels. If there are insufficient staff to evacuate all residents simultaneously, a phased evacuation strategy should be planned.
Official Resources
⚠️ Important Notice
This PEEP template is provided by Care Handbook for informational purposes. It does not constitute legal or professional fire safety advice. Your care home must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and ensure PEEPs are written by a competent person. Always consult a qualified fire safety professional and your local Fire and Rescue Service for premises-specific advice.