# What is invacuation? > Invacuation means moving people to a safer place inside a venue. Learn how it differs from evacuation and lockdown, and how to plan and practise it. Invacuation means moving people away from danger to a safer place within the premises or event, including bringing people inside when it is safe to do so. To invacuate is to make that movement. It is one of Martyn’s Law’s four public protection procedures, alongside evacuation, lockdown and communication. ## At a glance - **Meaning**: Move to a safer place within the site - **Different from evacuation**: People remain on the premises - **Different from lockdown**: Movement rather than securing access - **Standard-tier written plan**: Recommended, not legally required ## When staying inside could be safer Invacuation may be appropriate when a threat is outside, or when moving to another part of a venue would reduce exposure. The decision depends on where the danger is and whether the route and destination are safer. For a small venue, start by discussing the choices available during its usual activities. An instruction to leave through the main entrance could move people towards danger outside. Equally, staying inside is not always the safest response. [Martyn’s Law and your venue](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law) · [The four public protection procedures](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/public-protection-procedures) ## Choose places and routes that work Look for areas offering less exposure to the particular threat. Consider distance from windows, external walls and entrances, enough room for the expected occupants, and routes that people can use without passing the danger. A room’s label does not make it safe. Check access for people with disabilities, communication, essential needs and how people could leave if circumstances changed. A specially designed protected space needs appropriate technical advice; an ordinary internal room should not be described as blast-proof. - Can everyone using the venue reach the proposed area? - Will furniture, storage or another booking obstruct the route? - Could neighbouring occupiers also be relying on the same space? - Can staff pass on updates and respond if the area becomes unsafe? ## Understand the differences Evacuation moves people away from danger by taking them out of the premises or event, or part of it. Invacuation moves people to a safer place within the premises or event, including bringing people inside from outside. Lockdown secures all or part of the site to prevent entry or exit. These procedures can be used together. People might move inside and then have doors secured behind them. A later change could make evacuation appropriate. The aim is to reduce harm as the situation develops, rather than follow one response regardless of the danger. [What dynamic lockdown means](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/dynamic-lockdown) · [How Run Hide Tell relates to venue procedures](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/run-hide-tell) ## Make the procedure familiar Agree who can start invacuation, who directs people and how instructions reach every occupied area. Include volunteers, visiting organisers and people who may not hear an announcement. Avoid relying on a code word that only a few regular staff understand. Begin practice with a discussion and a walk through the route. Ask what changes during a busy booking or when the usual manager is absent. An invacuation drill should reveal practical problems, such as an inaccessible door or an instruction that cannot be heard. - Explain where people should move and who will guide them. - Check how the team will contact the emergency services safely. - Discuss how to account for people without sending anyone towards danger. - Review what worked and update the briefing after changes. [Lockdown and invacuation planning for schools](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/lockdown-procedure-schools) · [Briefing staff and volunteers](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/training) ## Keep the arrangements proportionate Common planning problems include choosing a room too small for a busy session, overlooking people outside, assuming a locked door is enough protection, and giving instructions that conflict with escape from fire. Consider these issues before asking people to practise. At standard tier, documenting and practising procedures are recommended preparation; the Act does not require a written plan or a paid course. The duties are not yet in force, with commencement expected in spring 2027 and no exact date confirmed. This guide is general information, not legal advice. [Check your venue’s Martyn’s Law tier](https://wardcote.co.uk/check-your-tier) · [Standard tier preparation checklist](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/standard-tier-checklist) ## Questions ### What does invacuation mean? It means moving people to a place within the premises or event where there is less risk of physical harm. This can include bringing people inside from an outside area. ### What is the difference between evacuation and invacuation? Evacuation moves people away from danger by taking them out of the premises or event, or part of it. Invacuation moves people to a safer place within the premises or event and can include bringing people inside from outside. ### Is invacuation the same as lockdown? No. Invacuation concerns moving people; lockdown concerns securing entry or exit. They may be used together when appropriate. ### What is the most likely consequence of invacuation? The intended result is that people move to a place offering less exposure to danger while remaining on the premises. The outcome depends on the threat, route and destination; safety is not guaranteed. ### Are invacuation drills compulsory under Martyn’s Law? The Act does not set a compulsory standard-tier drill schedule. Practice and review are recommended ways to find problems and help people understand their roles. ## Sources - [Home Office statutory guidance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-terrorism-protection-of-premises-act-2025/terrorism-protection-of-premises-act-2025-statutory-guidance) - [Home Office standard duty requirements factsheet](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/terrorism-protection-of-premises-act-2025-factsheets/terrorism-protection-of-premises-act-2025-standard-duty-requirements-factsheet) - [ProtectUK: evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and protected spaces](https://www.protectuk.police.uk/advice-and-guidance/risk/evacuation-invacuation-lockdown-protected-spaces) - [ProtectUK: developing and testing lockdown procedures](https://www.protectuk.police.uk/tactic-rb3-ensure-lockdown-procedures-are-known-tried-and-tested) - [Government fire safety guidance for small and medium places of assembly](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-risk-assessment-small-and-medium-places-of-assembly/fire-safety-risk-assessment-small-and-medium-places-of-assembly-accessible) - [SIA role and implementation timetable](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-martyns-law-and-the-sias-role-as-regulator) ## Related - [Dynamic lockdown procedures](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/dynamic-lockdown) - [Lockdown procedures for schools and nurseries](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/lockdown-procedure-schools) - [The four public protection procedures](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/public-protection-procedures) - [Run Hide Tell: advice and staff briefings](https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/run-hide-tell) --- Source: https://wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/invacuation · Last reviewed 2026-10-16 · Wardcote, venue and event security. General guidance, not legal advice.