Hi All, Interesting question with, of course, a multitude of possible responses.
I give advice to a charity that accommodate people with an ASD diagnosis and staff have previously mentioned that there are SU who may not evacuate.
This was discussed and verbal advice given to consider the possibilities.
Subsequently I have advised staff, in writing, to give consideration to what actions/tactics they might use to ensure SU evacuate when there is a confirmed fire and in that specific situation ONLY.The sort of thing they consider are the prompts and enticements that are specific to each SU
We have discussed the use of a simple bolt fitted to SU rooms, with an appropriate sign to address DOLS concerns, if staff feel that the SU will not, as opposed to may not, leave but to date no managers feel this is necessary.
A fire officer, following an audit, has now decided that this is a 'stay put policy' and stated this in a phone conversation. This led to a call to me from his line manager where this assertion was repeated.
We await a meeting, which they have requested, to clarify things-their words.
In regard to the original question, I would advise that consideration be given to preventing the SU leaving their room in the event of a confirmed fire AND a staff evacuation and that the SU is be situated where rescue would be easier should this be necessary.