One Building. Two Emergencies. Different Responses.

Martyn's Law highlights the importance of reviewing how fire safety and security arrangements work together to protect people and buildings.

A fire may require people to evacuate a building as quickly and safely as possible. A security threat outside could demand an entirely different response, potentially requiring occupants to remain indoors, move to a safer area or follow lockdown procedures.

For building owners, managing agents and facilities managers, the challenge is ensuring that emergency arrangements are appropriate for different scenarios and that existing fire and security systems can support the required response.

With Martyn's Law expected to come into force in spring 2027, recently published Home Office guidance provides an important reminder that effective emergency preparedness requires a coordinated approach.

Understanding the distinction between fire and security emergencies
The Home Office's statutory guidance for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 specifically recognises that established fire evacuation procedures may not always be appropriate when responding to a terrorist threat.

For example, whilst a fire evacuation plan may direct occupants towards a designated external assembly point, gathering people in one location could expose them to additional danger during a terrorist incident.

Depending on the circumstances, moving people to safety within a building, securing entrances or directing occupants away from a particular area may provide a more appropriate response.

The guidance identifies four principal public protection procedures:

• Evacuation: Moving people away from danger and out of the premises
• Invacuation: Moving people to a safer location within the premises
• Lockdown: Securing all or part of a premises to restrict movement and access
• Communication: Providing clear, timely information and instructions to occupants

The most appropriate response will depend on the nature and location of the threat, the building layout and advice from emergency services.

What does Martyn's Law mean for building managers?
Martyn's Law introduces new requirements for certain publicly accessible premises and events, with obligations determined by their use and the number of people reasonably expected to be present.

Subject to the legislation's qualifying criteria, premises expecting between 200 and 799 people fall within the standard tier, whilst larger qualifying premises generally fall within the enhanced tier. Certain premises are subject to different provisions.

Those responsible for qualifying premises will need to consider appropriate public protection procedures, whilst enhanced-tier premises will have additional obligations relating to protective security measures.

Importantly, the legislation does not impose a blanket requirement to install new CCTV, access control or other security equipment. The emphasis is on proportionate arrangements that reflect the particular premises and the risks associated with them.

For facilities managers, an important first step is establishing whether their premises fall within scope and reviewing existing emergency arrangements accordingly.

Are your existing fire and security systems working together?
Fire protection and electronic security systems often operate as separate installations, each with its own maintenance requirements and operating procedures.

However, their interaction can become particularly important during an emergency.

Building owners and facilities managers should consider several practical questions:

• Are fire evacuation and security emergency procedures clearly defined and understood?
• Could existing access control arrangements support appropriate lockdown procedures without compromising fire safety?
• Are CCTV and other security systems suitable for supporting situational awareness where required?
• Can occupants and staff receive clear instructions during different types of emergency?
• Are responsibilities understood across shared buildings and multiple occupiers?
• Are existing systems appropriately maintained, tested and reviewed?

Assessing these arrangements can help identify opportunities to improve preparedness, address potential conflicts between systems and ensure that the building's emergency procedures remain effective.

Taking a coordinated approach to building protection
Preparing for Martyn's Law is not simply about introducing additional security measures. It is about understanding how people, procedures and existing building systems can work together to reduce risk.

At Evotech Fire & Security, we recognise that effective building protection depends on reliable equipment, appropriate system design, ongoing maintenance and a coordinated approach to fire safety and security.

Our experience across fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, CCTV, access control and electronic security enables us to support customers in reviewing the capabilities and performance of their existing installations.

With the implementation of Martyn's Law approaching, now is a sensible time to review your existing fire and security arrangements and identify opportunities for improvement.

Further information: Home Office – Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 statutory guidance.