Overview of the Building Emergency Preparedness Charter
Background
In March 2026, the Fire Services Department (FSD) launched the FSD Building Emergency Responder (BER) Scheme, designed to equip building stakeholders, particularly licensed property management practitioners, with practical fire safety management and fire prevention knowledge. The Scheme focuses on strengthening participants’ fundamental response capabilities, enhancing their proficiency in operating fire safety equipment, and building confidence in responding to emergencies. Its ultimate aim is to raise the overall standard of building fire safety and foster safer communities through collective efforts. The Scheme was met with overwhelming support upon launch, attracting enthusiastic participation not only from property management practitioners but also from a broad spectrum of building stakeholders.
Building on this success, the FSD introduced the Building Emergency Preparedness Charter (hereafter referred to as “the Charter”), to foster cohesion among building stakeholders at all levels. With in-depth understanding and flexible application of knowledge of emergency preparedness and fire safety, the stakeholders are expected to assist in comprehensively elevating the level of emergency preparedness in Hong Kong’s buildings. Our shared mission is to create a safe living environment and safeguard the personal and property safety of the public.
Objective
The Charter aims to transform the commitment to fire safety and emergency preparedness into concrete action, mobilising all stakeholders to work in concert towards building a safe and resilient living environment.
Charter Statement
“We value and pledge to promote building emergency preparedness and to safeguard personal and property safety for all stakeholders.”
Becoming Our Partners
The Charter is open to all types of buildings, including private residential buildings, commercial buildings, shopping malls, industrial buildings and hotels. Property management companies, owners, owners’ corporations or residents’ organisations may sign the Charter on behalf of their buildings and become our partners.
Signatory organisations shall undertake to:
Complete the designated core action item and implement a specified number of additional items selected from the six additional action items; continuously strengthen employees’ fire safety awareness and emergency response capabilities; and proactively identify and abate fire hazards within their buildings so as to safeguard the personal and property safety of users of their buildings, and foster a secure and harmonious living environment.
Rewards
To commend the signatory organisations for their support and contributions, the FSD will give the following recognition and support:
- Honorary Title
Signatory organisations that complete the core action item and at least one additional action item will be awarded the honorary title of “Building Emergency Preparedness Partner” for two years. This title may be displayed on letterheads, official websites, and publications to highlight their commitment to fire safety. - Official Recognition
All signatory organisations will be listed on the FSD’s website and awarded an official certificate for display in public areas of their buildings, to publicise the recognition of their fire safety management. - Brand Image
Awarded organisations may use the Charter’s designated emblem on their publications, promotional materials, and digital platforms, thereby reinforcing a safe and trustworthy corporate or estate image and demonstrating their commitment to fire safety management. - Training Support
The FSD will regularly provide updated fire safety training materials to assist signatory organisations in continuously enhancing their employees’ fire safety awareness and emergency response capabilities.
Committed Actions
Signatory organisations are required to commit to the following actions to fulfil their responsibility in raising the standard of building emergency preparedness:
- Core Action Item
Signatory organisations shall arrange for relevant employees to complete the FSD’s BER training, ensuring that they possess fundamental fire safety knowledge and emergency response capabilities.
- Additional Action Items
Signatory organisations shall select and implement a specified number of action items from the following six additional action items:
1. Develop a practicable contingency plan for the building/premises to ensure orderly responses during emergencies;
2. Organise regular fire safety talks for occupants/users to strengthen their fire prevention awareness and knowledge of emergency response;
3. Disseminate fire safety information to occupants/users in a timely manner to strengthen their daily fire safety awareness;
4. Proactively identify and abate fire hazards within the building, reporting to relevant authorities when necessary;
5. Provide an automated external defibrillator (AED) within the building/premises for emergency medical use; and
6. Encourage occupants/users to have in place disaster and emergency preparedness supplies, strengthening the emergency preparedness of individuals and families.
Enrolment Form
| File | Link |
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| Enrolment Form |  |
List of Signatory Organisations
| File | Link |
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| List of Signatory Organisations (Under Preparation) |
Contact us
Tel: 2197 3600
Fax: 2197 3690
Email: fsdber@hkfsd.gov.hk