You need to be prepared to evacuate when there is a fire, flood, or gas leak.It is important to have a plan in place in case of an emergency.If you have an emergency plan in place, you can get out of the building quickly and safely.Take note of the nearest exits for different groups.Follow the instructions of the emergency response team when it's time to evacuate.
Step 1: Check the plans for people to leave.
Office buildings, hotels, restaurants, and other commercial spaces often have pre-established procedures.If you are in this type of building, you need to check with building management.There are maps for public areas such as lobbies and stairwells.If you're looking for an emergency plan for your office, make sure to check with your manager or the company head to see what roles different people are supposed to fill.
Step 2: Is there safe escape routes?
There are routes that will get people out of the building.Look at your building plans to see if you can help people find the exits nearest to them.Try not to go through kitchens or areas with large windows.These pose an excess risk as lines in kitchens can break and make emergencies worse, while windows can blow out and cause increased risk due to glass.People are at an increased risk if mechanical transportation such as elevators fail.stairwells should be used whenever possible.
Step 3: Your routes should be marked.
There are markers that people can use to get out of the building.The exits should be marked with clear "EXIT" signs.In spaces that do not get much natural light, such as interior hallways, you may want to consider placing photoluminescent strips along the sides of the floors to help guide people to the nearest exit.
Step 4: Inform others.
Make sure people in the building know about the plan.Tell them about safety precautions such as avoiding elevators.If you are dealing with a large space that holds a lot of people, it would be helpful to have safety monitors in place.
Step 5: Take a look at the situation.
Before you leave the building, find out why.It is possible to modify your plan if you know why an evacuate has been called.Even if another exit is further away, you know to go in the opposite direction of the fire if it blocks your nearest exit.Before attempting to leave if there is an active threat such as a bomb threat or an armed person spotted, seek instructions from the police or fire department.
Step 6: Proceed as quickly as possible to the exit.
Proceed quickly to your nearest exit once you know you are to leave.If you want to avoid panicking, try to keep a group of people together.You don't have to worry about gathering items that are not in reach.It's dangerous to take time to pack a bag or go to another room after an emergency.Only what is already on your person can you take.You can exit through your nearest exit sign.If a standard exit is not accessible, look for other ways out of the building such as through a window..Emergency personnel are allowed to use the elevators.As the elevator may fall, stop, malfunction, or otherwise fail to work, your life is at risk.If you have a disability that prevents you from going down the stairs, you should report your location to the Area of Rescue Assistance.There are chairs that can be used by wheelchair companions.
Step 7: Get some distance.
You should put a safe distance between you and the building after you leave the space.Depending on the situation, authorities may have set up a do not cross line.If there is a designated meeting place in your plan, consider it.Proceed directly to that area if you are supposed to meet there.Think about how much space is needed for an emergency.An electrical problem in the building may require less space than a fire.If you want to evacuate, consider how much space you need.
Step 8: Check in with the responders.
Once you are a safe distance away from the building, you should check in with the authorities or emergency responders to see what your next steps are.Let someone know if you have been injured during the evacuate.If no first responders are present, call the police or fire department to warn them of potential threats and get further instructions.
Step 9: Get clearance.
Make sure you get clearance from emergency responders that the building is safe before you go back in.A building that has not been inspected should not be reentered.If you were sent away, make sure the space is safe to reenter by calling the building manager or local authorities.Let them know that we had to leave because of an emergency, and we would like to know if it's safe to come back.It's a good idea to ask, "Are there any precautions we should take when going back into the space for the first time?"
Step 10: Take a look at any damage.
If physical damage was done to the space, it's a good idea to keep a record of what happened.If you own the building, you should report any damage to the manager.If you notice anything that seems lost or stolen, note it.If it is necessary for you to file an insurance claim, take photographs or videos of the damage as well as thorough notes.
Step 11: The plans have been updated.
You can use the experience to work on your plan.If you can, check with others to see if there were obstacles or moments when the evacuate was slowed or stopped.If an exit was slow, look for alternatives or divide people up more evenly.Suggest improvements for the future and address any problems you saw when you were in the evacuated group.