Published 15 October 2026
Evacuation equipment maker Evac+Chair has warned that relying only on the Stay Put strategy in residential buildings could put disabled and vulnerable people at risk. Its new white paper, Beyond Stay Put, was reported by THIIS Magazine on 8 October 2026.
What the research found
Stay Put advises residents who are unaffected by fire or smoke to remain in their flats. The white paper cites English Housing Survey research showing that 59 per cent of social-rented households include at least one person with a long-term illness or disability, who could face greater risk if containment fails or conditions deteriorate.
The paper also points to a gap between understanding and applying the law. Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs) came into force in April 2026, requiring the identification of, and preparation for, people who may need help to evacuate. Housing, property and care professionals interviewed by Evac+Chair mostly rated their knowledge at five to seven out of ten, and one senior property manager rated their confidence in turning obligations into action at two out of ten.
Concerns in care settings
Separate research carried out with Care Home Magazine found that 78 per cent of professionals thought Stay Put was appropriate only sometimes or rarely where residents have mobility or cognitive impairments. Overall, 79 per cent believed its use in care homes should be reconsidered. The barriers identified include incomplete resident information, inconsistent assessment standards, building constraints, and uncertainty over responsibility, staffing, training and equipment.
Evac+Chair managing director Claire Blakemore said Stay Put may be an appropriate Plan A, but no resident should be left without another way out. RPEEPs, she said, must be backed by realistic procedures, trained people and suitable equipment.
What this means for disabled residents and families
If you or a relative lives in a flat and has limited mobility, it is reasonable to ask your landlord or building manager whether an RPEEP has been prepared and what equipment and trained staff would support it. Keep a record of your mobility needs, including whether you use a wheelchair, mobility scooter or walking aid, as this informs any evacuation plan.
Think about the home too. Lifts can be unavailable in a fire, and equipment such as a stairlift does not replace an evacuation plan. Our mobility aids guide offers a broader look at the equipment people use at home. This article reports an industry white paper and is not fire safety advice, so speak to your landlord, local fire and rescue service or occupational therapist about your own circumstances.
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Published 15 October 2026