People requiring assistance with evacuation

Information for people who may need assistance during an emergency evacuation

Planning

Planning is essential to safety in an emergency. It is important to familiarise yourself with:

  • Exit routes
  • Stairwells
  • Alternative accessible paths

If pre-arranged, a buddy can be used to assist you in evacuation

When visiting a shared study space or library

  • When entering an unfamiliar space, take a moment to locate all exit points and review any posted emergency‑exit information
  • If available, inform reception, front desk or staff, if you will need assistance
  • Tell them where you will be and when you leave

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)

What is a PEEP?

A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is an individualised evacuation plan to assist someone who may need help to:

  • Be alerted to an emergency
  • Evacuate safely

It sets out the specific actions, support, equipment, and people required to ensure that person can be alerted to an emergency and/or evacuate a building safety.

A PEEP may be required if you have:

  • Mobility restrictions
  • Vision impairment
  • Deaf or hard of hearing
  • Cognitive impairment
  • A medical condition or injury

This requirement may also apply temporarily, such as:

  • A broken leg
  • Recovery from surgery
  • Later stages of pregnancy

Key decision question

  • Does the person require assistance to be alerted to an emergency and/or  evacuate the building safely and promptly?
  • If the answer is Yes, then a PEEP should be developed.

How to get a PEEP

Step 1

Staff inform your:

  • Line manager

Students inform your:

  • Academic supervisor
  • Student Disability Services
  • Resident manager (for accommodation)

Step 2

Meet to discuss your requirements. A PEEP assessment form is available to assist with this if required (below)

Step 3

Your line manager/ academic supervisor/Student Disability Services prepares your PEEP (template below)

Step 4

Review and agree on the plan together

Step 5

Implementation. Your manager/academicsupervisor/Student Disability Services will:

  • Brief any assistants identified in the plan
  • Distribute your PEEP to all relevant parties
  • Arrange practice/rehearsals if required

Review of PEEPs

PEEPs must be reviewed:

  • For staff: Annually
  • For Students: Each semester
  • Additionally:
    • When conditions or work or study locations change
    • When there is any change to the persons condition or support needs, such as a temporary improvement where assistance is no longer required, or the emergence of a new symptom or condition that affects their existing PEEP
    • Following evacuation drills or if issues are identified

Privacy

The person does not need to disclose detailed medical information
Information collected will only be used to support their safety and shared only with relevant personnel and in accordance with the University Privacy Statements

Assisting Others During an Evacuation

If you need to evacuate a building in an emergency, be aware of anyone nearby who may need assistance. Ask them directly if they require help to evacuate.

You may also volunteer, be nominated by a warden or listed in a PEEP to assist. It's If you are requested to help, follow the instructions and requirements provided.

Important Notes

  • If you see someone who appears unaware of the emergency, alert themSome people may already have a designated buddy or may be able to exit independently
  • Do not use lifts
  • Never attempt to carry people down the stairs

Instructions for Assisting

Communication

  • Stay calm and communicate clearly at all times
  • Explain what is happening and what you are going to do next
  • Be patient, supportive, and responsive to the person’s needs

Moving to the Exit

  • Identify the nearest and safest exit
  • Guide the person towards it at a pace they can comfortably maintain
  • Allow people who do not need assistance to enter the stairwell first

Using the Stairs

  • If descending stairs, guide, do not rush
  • Let the person move at their own pace and pause at intervals if needed
  • If you are trained to use an evacuation chair and one is required, follow your training

Managing Flow

  • Ensure you are not blocking others
  • If you are holding up the stairway, move into the next lobby or landing to let others pass
  • Once the stairway is clear, continue your descent
  • Exit the building and continue moving away to a safe location: Disperse, Do not Gather
  • Remain alert to your surroundings
  • Listen for official announcements
  • Avoid distractions

Resources

Start here:

Exampe PEEPS

Document Control
Version: 3.0
Last Updated: Jun 2026
Next Review: Jun 2029
Owner: hsw@auckland.ac.nz
Approver: Associate Director, Health Safety & Wellbeing

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