In planning for terrorist incidents, the primary objective is to move people away from danger. In this post, we cover the first of three principal approaches: Evacuation.
Article 1 in a Series on Terrorist Incident Response
This blog series is designed to support that process by offering practical guidance on the procedures venues may need to adopt. In this instalment, we explain what an evacuation procedure is and outline the steps venues can take to implement one effectively in response to a terrorist incident.
Introduction
Following the ratification of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, venues that qualify under the Act must put appropriate public protection procedures in place before the implementation period ends (the earliest possible date is April 2027). Venue operators should therefore review existing policies now to ensure they meet the new requirements.
This blog series is designed to support that process by offering practical guidance on the procedures venues may need to adopt. In this instalment, we explain what an evacuation procedure is and outline the steps venues can take to implement one effectively in response to a terrorist incident.
In planning for terrorist incidents, the primary objective is to move people away from danger. There are three principal approaches, which we will cover in this series:
- Evacuation
- Lockdown
- Invacuation
These measures are not mutually exclusive; in some situations, a combination may be the safest option.
What is Evacuation?
Evacuation aims to remove people from danger by leaving a premises or site. All premises must already have a fire emergency evacuation plan, and wherever possible, evacuation procedures should be consistent so that staff and occupants can understand and follow them easily. However, in a terrorist incident, adjustments to standard fire protocols may be necessary and should be clearly documented and communicated to those who will implement them.
Unlike most fire evacuations—which are usually orderly and follow established routes—evacuations during a terrorist incident may require urgent movement, potentially away from normal exits and without congregating at standard assembly points. Using the fire alarm to trigger an evacuation in such circumstances can create confusion: people may assume there is a fire, move along habitual routes into danger, or gather at assembly points that could become targets. For that reason, planners should consider alternative triggers and communications for terrorist-related evacuations and specify how these differ from fire procedures.
Types of Evacuation
There are four main types of evacuation. Your choice should reflect the venue’s size, layout, occupancy, and the nature and location of the threat.
- Full evacuation: Moving everyone off the premises; typically suitable for smaller sites.
- Partial (zonal) evacuation: Clearing specific areas only; often more practical in larger or complex venues.
- Phased evacuation: Evacuating in stages to manage capacity constraints on exit routes.
- Directional evacuation: Rerouting people to avoid known or suspected threats, even if this departs from standard exits.
Developing your Evacuation Policy and Procedures
Assess the Premises
Review your current fire evacuation plan and identify where terrorist-related adjustments are required. Confirm that the venue can quickly and clearly communicate with guests and staff about potential threats. Consider the specific needs of children, older adults, and people with disabilities, and set out any special arrangements.
Define Decision-Making Authority and Roles
Specify who has authority to initiate, manage, and coordinate the response, and how that decision will be taken under time pressure. Detail how staff and occupants will be notified when the policy is enacted and how emergency services will be informed and updated throughout the incident.
Write Clear Procedures
Translate the policy into step-by-step instructions that identify the tasks to be completed and who is responsible for each one. Keep instructions concise, unambiguous, and easy to follow under stress. Make clear where the procedures differ from fire protocols, particularly for alerting, route selection, and assembly behaviours.
A Tailored Approach to Diverse Premises
If you would like expert support to review your existing plans or to design a clear, practical evacuation procedure aligned to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, get in touch with our team. We can help you assess risk and help produce concise, usable procedures that keep people safe.
The National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) offers a free, publicly accessible guide covering policies and procedures for evacuation, invacuation, and lockdown. You can access it here.
Kevin Purcell
Kevin, United Outcomes’ Chief Operating Officer, boasts a distinguished career leveraging his background as a senior police officer to drive organisational excellence. With over a decade in leadership roles, Kevin excels in coordinating multi-agency operations, underscoring his adeptness in emergency preparedness. Specialising in change management, leadership, and development across various sectors, he has a record of executing projects efficiently, within budget, and to the highest standards.
United Outcomes specialises in providing bespoke solutions to support organisations in meeting the requirements of Martyn’s Law. We understand the unique challenges faced by venues of all sizes and offer tailored advice to address specific needs. Our approach focuses on venue-specific guidance, ensuring that every strategy we develop is both effective and aligned with your objectives. By partnering with us, you can confidently navigate the responsibilities of Martyn’s Law, transforming challenges into opportunities to enhance public safety and resilience.
