Evacuation Drill Procedures

An emergency could happen at any time, so be prepared.

A person needs to know how to carry out an emergency evacuation in case of fire, hurricanes, explosion or a toxic gas release. Knowing the evacuation drill procedure not only makes practice easier, but also makes escape easier in case of a real event. Knowing the evacuation drill procedure could save a person’s life and the lives of those around her.

Rescue

The most important part of an evacuation drill procedure is to help rescue any other people in immediate danger, as long as it does not put anyone in harm. If there is nobody close to a person that needs help, alert others to their location. Try to keep everybody together in a group and aware of the situation. Panic, whether in a drill or real situation, can cause chaos and disorganization. If people remain calm, the evacuation procedure will run smoother.

Alarm

Know where the fire alarm is located at in a building.

After a person has warned the people in his immediate area, he needs to set off the alarm or call 911. Employees or occupants of a building should know where the alarm is located. Anyone unsure of where the alarm is located should call 911and stay on the phone with the dispatcher until she hangs up.

Confine and Evacuate

Always take the stairs instead of an elevator.

Once a person has activated the alarm or called 911, she needs to confine the area. This includes shutting doors or windows from which fire or toxic fumes could escape, as long as this does not put her in danger. Then she needs to evacuate the building. When evacuating the building, do not use elevators. Use the staircase unless supervised by a firefighter or police officer.

Employees or occupants of a building also need to know the floor plans. Buildings have floor plans with evacuation routes that everyone needs to follow during a drill or real event. Studying these floor plans ahead of time can help people get out quicker.

Assembly

Proper practice of an evacuation drill can save lives.

People need to gather at least 100 feet away from the building to wait for a head count done by the local fire marshal, according to the Safety Committee at Harvard College. If a person knows of someone still in the building, he needs to let rescue personnel in the fire department or police department know. Additionally, he should tell the fire or police department of any disabled people that need help.

Practice

Proper practice of evacuation drills can help save lives in case of a real event. People and companies need to practice their evacuation procedures on a regular basis and make sure all equipment, such as fire alarms, are in working condition.

References

• Safety Committee Homepage: Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Resources

• National Fire Protection Association: Developing a Preparedness Plan