Why Every Facility Needs a Rigorous Evacuation Plan This Christmas
By The Evacuation Company – The UK’s Leading Provider of Evacuation Chairs and Safety Solutions
As the Christmas season approaches, workplaces, venues, and public facilities across the UK prepare for their busiest time of year. Festive events, increased visitor numbers, and seasonal staff all contribute to a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. However, this period also brings additional responsibility: ensuring that every person in your building can evacuate safely in the event of an emergency.
Having a rigorous evacuation plan in place is not just a matter of compliance; it is a duty of care. For facilities that welcome staff, visitors, or customers with disabilities or mobility challenges, well-structured PEEPs (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans) and GEEPs (General Emergency Evacuation Plans) are essential. Combined with the right equipment, such as professionally maintained evacuation chairs, these plans can save lives.
At The Evacuation Company, the UK’s leading experts in hiring evacuation chairs and providing training and safety guidance, we understand the importance of being prepared. In this blog, we explore why a detailed and practiced evacuation plan is vital this Christmas and how your facility can ensure complete readiness.
1. The Seasonal Surge – More People, Greater Responsibility
Christmas is a time when facilities experience their highest footfall. Shopping centres, offices, care homes, hotels, and event venues all see a rise in visitors and temporary staff. This increase in occupancy naturally raises the risk during an emergency evacuation.
A thorough evacuation plan ensures that no one is overlooked, including guests with disabilities or mobility impairments. Implementing and regularly updating PEEPs and GEEPs guarantees that every individual knows their route to safety and that your staff know how to assist effectively.
At The Evacuation Company, we often see organisations underestimate how quickly an emergency can escalate. A well-documented and rehearsed plan reduces confusion, supports calm decision-making, and ultimately protects lives.
2. The Importance of PEEPs and GEEPs
Both PEEPs and GEEPs play a crucial role in emergency preparedness.
A PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) is tailored to an individual who may require assistance during an evacuation. This could include employees, residents, or regular visitors with mobility impairments, sensory limitations, or other conditions that affect their ability to respond to alarms and evacuate independently.
A GEEP (General Emergency Evacuation Plan), on the other hand, is designed for the general public or visitors who may not have a pre-arranged plan. It ensures that your building’s design, signage, and equipment can accommodate anyone who might need help during an emergency, even if they are unfamiliar with your premises.
Both plans are legal requirements under the Equality Act 2010 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which emphasise the need for inclusive evacuation strategies. At The Evacuation Company, we help organisations develop and implement both PEEPs and GEEPs, ensuring full compliance and peace of mind.
3. Evacuation Chairs – The Essential Tool in Every Plan
A critical element of any PEEP or GEEP is the equipment used to safely assist those unable to use stairs or lifts. This is where evacuation chairs become essential.
An evacuation chair allows trained staff to quickly and safely move individuals down staircases in the event of a fire or lift failure. These chairs are lightweight, easy to operate, and designed to work on most stair types. They are particularly important during the Christmas season when buildings are busier, and emergency exits may be in higher demand.
However, owning an evacuation chair is only part of the solution. Ensuring your team is trained to use it confidently and safely is equally vital. The Evacuation Company not only supplies and maintains high-quality evacuation chairs, but also delivers expert training tailored to your facility’s specific layout and team structure.
For many organisations, hiring evacuation chairs is the most practical and cost-effective option. This approach ensures access to the latest models, full maintenance support, and compliance without the upfront expense of purchasing equipment outright.
You can learn more about hiring evacuation chairs and training at The Evacuation Company.
4. Regular Training and Drills – Turning Plans into Practice
Even the most comprehensive evacuation plan is only effective if staff know how to implement it under pressure. During a fire alarm or other emergency, panic can set in quickly, especially when the building is full. Regular training and drills help ensure that everyone knows their role and can respond calmly and effectively.
Training should cover:
- How to safely assist individuals with PEEPs.
- Correct operation of evacuation chairs and similar devices.
- Communication protocols during evacuation.
- Alternative escape routes if primary exits are blocked.
At The Evacuation Company, our certified trainers work with teams to build confidence and competence. We tailor training to your facility’s needs, ensuring that your PEEPs and GEEPs are more than just documents—they become practical, life-saving tools.
5. Why Christmas Readiness Matters More Than Ever
Christmas brings joy, togetherness, and celebration, but it can also bring unique risks. Decorations, increased electrical use, catering equipment, and larger crowds can all contribute to a higher fire risk. The combination of temporary layouts and new staff can also make escape routes less familiar.
Ensuring that PEEPs and GEEPs are reviewed and updated before the festive season is critical. Staff should know who requires assistance, where evacuation chairs are located, and how to use them safely. Facilities should also check that all evacuation routes are clear, signage is visible, and chairs are fully functional.
A proactive approach this Christmas will not only safeguard lives but also demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and legal compliance.
6. Partnering with the Experts
When it comes to evacuation chairs and emergency planning, working with trusted professionals makes all the difference. The Evacuation Company is recognised across the UK for its expertise in hiring evacuation chairs, providing specialist training, and helping organisations develop robust PEEPs and GEEPs.
With nationwide coverage and an experienced support team, we help ensure that every facility—whether a care home, office building, school, or event venue—is fully prepared for any emergency.
For those looking to strengthen their evacuation strategy this Christmas, now is the perfect time to act. Whether you need to review your PEEPs, refresh your team’s training, or arrange the hire of evacuation chairs, The Evacuation Company is here to help.
Visit The Evacuation Company to learn more about our evacuation planning services, evacuation chair hire, and expert training programmes.
Conclusion – Be Prepared, Be Protected
This Christmas, make safety your top priority. A rigorous evacuation plan built around effective PEEPs, GEEPs, and reliable evacuation chairs ensures that everyone in your facility can escape safely and with dignity in an emergency.
By partnering with The Evacuation Company, the UK’s leading provider of evacuation chairs and emergency planning support, you can have complete confidence in your readiness this festive season.
Prepare today and enjoy a safer, more secure Christmas for everyone in your care.
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