Your PRA (Persons Requiring Assistance) List
A Persons Requiring Assistance (PRA) list is one of the most important — and most overlooked — emergency preparedness tools available to condominium corporations.
What Is a PRA List?
A PRA list identifies residents who may need assistance during an emergency evacuation. This includes residents with mobility limitations, visual or hearing impairments, cognitive challenges, or other conditions that could affect their ability to evacuate independently.
The list is maintained by the corporation and shared with the fire department so that emergency responders know where to find residents who may need help.
Why It Matters
In a fire or other emergency, every second counts. Emergency responders who know in advance which units contain residents who may need assistance can prioritize those units and potentially save lives.
Without a PRA list, responders have no way of knowing which residents may be unable to evacuate on their own.
How It Works
Participation is voluntary. Residents self-identify by informing the corporation that they would like to be included on the list. The corporation cannot compel residents to register, and it cannot add residents without their consent.
The list is shared with the local fire department and updated regularly. It is treated as confidential information.
The Corporation's Role
The corporation is responsible for:
- Making residents aware that the PRA list exists and how to register
- Maintaining the list and keeping it current
- Sharing the list with the fire department
- Updating the list when residents move in, move out, or their circumstances change
Your management provider should have a process for maintaining the PRA list and ensuring it is shared with the appropriate authorities.
Encouraging Participation
Many residents who would benefit from being on the PRA list don't register because they don't know it exists or don't want to draw attention to their situation.
Boards can encourage participation by:
- Including PRA list information in welcome packages for new residents
- Mentioning it in newsletters and at AGMs
- Framing it as a community safety tool rather than a personal disclosure
A well-maintained PRA list is a sign of a corporation that takes emergency preparedness seriously. It costs nothing and could make a significant difference when it matters most.