Fire safety: emergency evacuation procedures

Learn about your school's requirements for fire evacuation plans. You can also see templates from local authorities.

Last reviewed on 3 March 2026
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 1849
Contents
  1. You must have a fire evacuation plan
  2. Your plan should be based on your fire risk assessment
  3. Use templates from local authorities
  4. Don't publish your plan online
  5. Carry out fire drills regularly
  6. Train your staff

You must have a fire evacuation plan

This should be made by the 'responsible person' in your school. Read more about your fire safety requirements.

Your plan must show you have:

  • A clear passageway to all escape routes
  • Clearly-marked escape routes that are as short and direct as possible
  • Enough exits and routes for all people to escape
  • Emergency doors that open easily
  • Emergency lighting where needed
  • Training for all employees so they know and can use the escape routes
  • A safe meeting point

This is explained in Fire England's guidance for work and public places.

Your plan should be based on your fire risk assessment

You must carry out a fire risk assessment for your school. As part of this process, you should identify how you would protect people if a fire breaks out.

You can also find