Fire and rescue services may find it beneficial to develop a suite of survival guidance that can be provided to persons at risk. Survival guidance should be developed for the most common incident types, and hazards that are prevalent in the service’s area, as identified in risk management planning.

It is essential that a joint strategy for survival guidance is developed by the fire control room and the on-scene incident commander. Based on how the incident is developing, or on information gathered by the fire control room, the survival guidance may need to be revised. It is therefore essential that all parties exchange current information and use this to determine any changes in the survival guidance that should be provided to persons at risk.

The location of people and the information they are providing can be used by the on-scene incident commander to build a joint understanding of risk and help when developing a tactical plan. Relevant information should be passed to the incident ground; it may be appropriate to appoint a single point of contact to co-ordinate survival guidance. For more information refer to Search recue and casualty care - Situational awareness: Search for a missing person

It may be necessary to co-ordinate with other services or agencies that are receiving calls, based on arrangements that are in place to deal with high volumes of calls during periods of spate or spike conditions. Although advice offered to callers should be tailored to their circumstances, it should be based on a consistent approach. Fire control rooms should co-ordinate with any other control rooms that may be providing survival guidance, to ensure the information provided is suitable and up to date.

Survival guidance should be based on the incident type:

Fires in buildings (including tall buildings)

For example, provide appropriate guidance on current evacuation strategy including evacuate versus stay put, and the use of refuge areas.

For further in formation refer to Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats.

Flooding

For example, isolate utilities, move valuables to upper floor, retrieve essential medication, get out of a vehicle in flood water.

For further in formation refer to Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Flood advice and information.

Building or structure collapse

For example, try to stay still, try to leave, try to make a noise to attract attention, shelter under furniture

Hazardous materials

For example, move uphill/upstream/upwind, stay inside building or vehicle, close windows and doors and turn off ventilation, stay away from casualties, do not drink mains water

Terrorist activity

For example, ‘Stay Safe’ (Run, hide, tell)