Clear evacuation plans are essential for safety during emergencies. Two key types are General Emergency Evacuation Plans (GEEPs) and Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs). These plans are especially important in high-rise buildings. Evacuations in such buildings are more complex because of the height and the number of people involved. Understanding the difference between GEEPs and PEEPs helps building owners, landlords, and responsible persons protect all residents—especially those with impairments. This guide explains both plans, what they include, who needs them, and how to use them effectively.
A General Emergency Evacuation Plan (GEEP) is a comprehensive building-wide evacuation plan designed to provide a clear and structured approach for evacuating all occupants in the event of an emergency, such as a fire or other life-threatening situations. The purpose of a GEEP is to ensure that everyone, including those with mobility issues or other impairments, can evacuate safely and efficiently. The plan includes a building’s layout, evacuation routes, and the equipment necessary for communication and evacuation. Importantly, GEEPs are meant to be applied to all building occupants, regardless of their ability to self-evacuate.
A detailed map of the building is a crucial element of a GEEP. This map should include all exits, stairwells, and emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency lighting. The evacuation routes must be clearly marked and accessible to all, especially for those with restricted mobility.
The GEEP includes the use of communication systems to alert all people inside the building. These systems may include fire alarms, public address announcements, flashing light signals, or visual displays. The goal is to make sure everyone receives the emergency alert and knows what steps to take, regardless of any sensory or cognitive limitations.
Each GEEP defines specific responsibilities for designated staff, such as fire wardens and the Responsible Person. These individuals are trained to coordinate evacuations, assist people with impairments, and ensure all emergency equipment is accessible and functioning.
A GEEP outlines evacuation procedures for all occupants, with a particular emphasis on those who may need additional help. For example, people with mobility impairments, the elderly, and children may require additional assistance during an evacuation. The plan must ensure that everyone knows how to safely exit the building and where to gather after evacuation.
GEEPs are required for all high-rise residential buildings, workplaces, and any location where people live or work. They are essential in buildings with diverse occupants, including employees, tenants, guests, and individuals with impairments. The plan ensures that all building users are covered under one coordinated evacuation strategy.
GEEPs must be clearly displayed in visible areas, such as corridors, lobbies, stairwells, and near exits. These plans must be easy to understand and accessible to all building occupants.
The effectiveness of the GEEP is verified through regular evacuation drills. These drills test whether all individuals can follow the evacuation process and whether the building’s communication systems, alarms, and signage are working as expected.
A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is a customized evacuation plan for individuals who may need support during an emergency. Unlike the general GEEP, which applies to all building occupants, a PEEP is tailored to one person’s specific needs.
PEEPs are essential for people who cannot evacuate independently. This includes individuals with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, or cognitive conditions. The plan ensures that no one is left behind. It is created in collaboration with the individual and considers the assistance or equipment they need to evacuate safely.
To learn more about how to effectively create a PEEP, including templates and checklists, check out this detailed guide.
Each PEEP defines the safest and most practical evacuation route for the individual. It also outlines the steps required for safe exit and names the person(s) assigned to help. If needed, it includes mobility aids, evacuation chairs, or medical equipment that must be ready at all times.
The PEEP identifies how the person will be notified in an emergency. This may involve flashing lights, vibrating alarms, or direct notification by a staff member. The method depends on the person’s condition—for example, visual alerts for people with hearing loss or verbal cues for those with limited vision.
The plan lists who will assist during evacuation and what tools or devices are needed. It includes oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, or emergency chairs. It also states where the equipment is located and how it will be accessed and used during an evacuation.
A PEEP is required for any resident, employee, or visitor who cannot evacuate safely on their own. This includes people with long-term disabilities, such as paralysis, blindness, or dementia. It also includes those with short-term conditions—like a broken leg—or women in late pregnancy who may have mobility issues.
PEEPs ensure that everyone, regardless of their condition, has a defined method for safe evacuation.
The development of a PEEP involves cooperation between the individual and the Responsible Person. It starts with a personal risk assessment. The plan considers the individual’s limitations, building structure, and available support.
The PEEP must clearly describe how the person will be warned, guided, and evacuated. It should also name the responsible assistant and define the evacuation equipment to be used.
PEEPs must be reviewed regularly. Updates are necessary if the person’s condition changes or if there are changes in building layout or emergency protocols. Keeping the plan current ensures it works in real emergencies.
GEEPs are general emergency evacuation plans designed for all building occupants. They provide a universal structure for evacuating during emergencies like fires or gas leaks.
PEEPs are designed for individuals with specific evacuation needs. These plans offer targeted solutions for people who cannot evacuate without help. The goal of a PEEP is to prevent vulnerable individuals from being overlooked during an emergency.
The key distinction is scope: GEEPs cover everyone; PEEPs focus on personal needs.
GEEPs are standardized. They outline evacuation routes, assembly points, and emergency roles for all occupants. However, they do not provide personal assistance instructions.
PEEPs are fully customized. Each plan includes support measures based on the individual’s condition—such as assistance from staff, specific evacuation routes, or the use of mobility aids like evacuation chairs or oxygen tanks.
While GEEPs give building-wide guidance, PEEPs deliver personal-level planning and support.
Both GEEPs and PEEPs are required by law, particularly for high-rise residential buildings and workplaces. Compliance ensures that all building occupants, including those with specific needs, can evacuate safely. Legal obligations, especially following regulations set by the Grenfell Inquiry, have made these plans essential for ensuring safety during emergencies.
Implementing a GEEP ensures every building occupant has access to a clear evacuation procedure. The plan gives precise steps and designated routes to reduce confusion and guide people safely out during emergencies.
The key benefits of GEEPs include:
PEEPs offer personalized evacuation plans that ensure individuals with specific needs can evacuate safely and promptly. These plans reduce the risk of injury during emergencies by offering tailored assistance and ensuring individuals receive the support they need when evacuation becomes necessary.
The benefits of PEEPs include:
To create an effective GEEP, building owners must follow a structured process. A well-prepared plan ensures safe evacuation for all occupants and meets legal safety obligations.
A PEEP is essential for anyone who cannot evacuate without help. It ensures they receive personalized support during emergencies. The following steps guide how to implement an effective plan:
GEEPs and PEEPs must comply with fire safety and accessibility laws. These legal frameworks ensure all occupants, including those with impairments, can evacuate safely. Full compliance protects lives and helps building managers meet their duties under local and national safety standards. Compliance includes:
GEEPs provide a general evacuation framework for all building occupants. PEEPs deliver a personalized evacuation plan for those needing extra assistance. Both are critical for maintaining safety during emergencies. They serve different roles but work together to ensure everyone can evacuate safely.
Implementing GEEPs and PEEPs improves safety and helps meet legal requirements. It ensures that high-rise buildings and workplaces comply with fire safety and accessibility laws. When building owners apply both plans properly, they create an inclusive environment.
These plans also give peace of mind to residents, employees, and managers. Everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Clear procedures and regular training reduce confusion, speed up evacuation, and save lives.
By understanding how to use both GEEPs and PEEPs, building owners improve preparedness and meet compliance standards effectively.
