Persons Requiring Assistance (PRA) in Residential Fire Safety Planning
In today’s diverse residential and multi-unit buildings, fire safety planning must account for all occupants—including those with physical, sensory, or cognitive limitations. Whether these conditions are temporary or permanent, individuals who may need additional help during an emergency are classified as Persons Requiring Assistance (PRA).
As a property manager, on bahlf of the building owner in Ontario, you have likely been assigned this vital task to ensure that effective plans are in place to support these vulnerable residents before, during, and after emergencies.
Who Are PRA and Vulnerable Populations?
Persons Requiring Assistance (PRA) duirng a building evacuation include building occupants who may have:
Mobility limitations (e.g., wheelchair users, those with walkers)
Visual or hearing impairments
Cognitive or developmental disabilities
Temporary medical conditions (e.g., injury or surgery recovery)
Language barriers or other communication needs
Maintaining a Current PRA List
Fire Safety Plans of residential buildings must be accompanied by a current PRA list that is;
Regularly updated as required, but at minimum every 12 months with the names, unit numbers, and emergency contact information
Secure and accessible to first responders and authorized personnel
Readily available upon arrival of the fire services for all building emergencies
Engaging with Vulnerable Residents
Property managers must take steps to identify and engage PRAs in the building. This includes:
At time of move in
Annual outreach to all residents regarding the updating of this vital life saving information
Encouraging PRA registration and self-identification
Explaining what support is available during emergencies
Communicating Emergency Procedures
Distribute clear, accessible handouts directly from your building’s approved Fire Safety Plan outlining:
Whether to evacuate or remain in place
How the building’s fire and life safety systems work, and what it means to them when the alarm sounds
Potential locations of Areas of Refuge
Instructions for preparing and using a "Defend-in-Place Kit".
This approach ensures both compliance with the Ontario Fire Code and an enhanced level of care and preparedness within your building.
How National Life Safety Group Can Help
At National Life Safety Group, we specialize in developing inclusive fire safety plans for residential and high-rise properties across Ontario. Our services include:
Customized PRA procedure development
Fire safety audits and compliance consulting
Annual training and occupant communication tools
Coordination with first responders and emergency services
Guidance on implementing best practices for vulnerable populations
We help property managers ensure their fire and life safety programs are not only compliant—but compassionate, inclusive, and effective.
Let’s Talk About Your PRA Plan
Whether you're updating your fire safety plan or creating PRA protocols from scratch, National Life Safety Group is here to support your community. Protecting vulnerable residents is a shared responsibility—and with the right planning, it's a responsibility you can meet with confidence.