Emergency Evacuation Plan
Review Every Year
Getting Started
- Identify all fire and life safety devices.
- Consider whether occupants are familiar with the building or if there may be many who are unfamiliar, such as a retail or restaurant establishment.
- Note any special needs of individuals, such as disabilities or language barriers.
Develop a Plan
- Create a map that includes each floor and the location of all fire exits, manual pull stations, and extinguishing equipment. Mark the location on each floor where the maps are displayed as well as the two nearest exits.
- Train employees to stop whatever they’re doing and evacuate the building immediately when the alarm sounds.
- Elevators should never be used to evacuate during a fire.
- Have a designated meeting place for occupants to assemble and conduct a headcount.
Conduct Fire Drills
- Knowing how to react in the event of a fire gives everyone a better chance of escaping.
- Fire safety training should be offered at least once per year.
- Plan fire drills for all shifts and all employees.
- Decide whether to announce fire drills or conduct them on an unannounced basis.
In Case of a Fire
- Follow the emergency evacuation plan.
- Do not use the elevators. Use the nearest stairway.
- Crawl low underneath smoke, and check doors for heat before using. Use secondary exits as necessary.
- Get out, stay out, and call 9-1-1! Don’t go back inside a burning building for anything or anyone. Firefighters have the training and the protective equipment to make rescues.
- Designate one person to communicate with fire department personnel regarding any missing persons.
