In light of the recent fire at Pink Punters in Milton Keynes, it’s worth reflecting not only on the incident itself, but on what it reinforces evacuation of readiness.

In the early hours, a serious fire led to the rapid evacuation of the venue. Thanks to the quick response of staff, everyone was able to exit safely, with no reported injuries. That outcome doesn’t happen by chance; it’s the result of preparation, training, and having the right equipment in place.

But situations like this also highlight a critical question: is every evacuation plan truly inclusive?

In busy venues, workplaces, and public spaces, not everyone can use stairs or exit quickly without assistance. This is where evacuation chairs become essential, not optional. They ensure that individuals with both visible and non-visible mobility challenges can be evacuated safely, efficiently, and with dignity, even in high-pressure scenarios.

Having evacuation chairs in place:

Supports inclusive emergency planning
Reduces risk for both evacuees and staff
Enables faster, more controlled evacuations
Demonstrates real commitment to safety compliance

It’s easy to assume “it won’t happen here” until it does. Incidents like this are a reminder that planning for the worst is what protects people at their most vulnerable moments.

If your organisation hasn’t reviewed its evacuation procedures recently including provisions for those who need assistance now is the time, here at KFive we are always here to support you.