Fire Evacuation Requirements

Plan

• A solid fire evacuation plan includes what action the individual who discovers the fire should take to alert others to the danger. Outline in the document the methods for sounding any alarm in the house or on the premises. List the steps for vacating children from the house or building. Include alternative escape routes. In addition, spell out what action to take while waiting for the fire department. If a ladder is part of the evacuation plan, make sure that it works properly and inspect it at least once a year.

Discovering a Fire

• The individual who discovers the fire should immediately exit the fire area and close the door. The person discovering the fire should also sound the alarm and immediately leave the building using the shortest and safest route. Depending on the circumstances, a person trained to use the fire extinguishers may employ them, but only after sounding the alarm and vacating people from the premises. Before proceeding, look for smoke and test doors for heat with the back of your hand. Close any doors behind you and crawl low to the ground when going through smoke.

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If You Are Trapped

• If you are trapped, go to a safe area and close the doors between you and the fire. Stuff towels, clothing or other cloth material in cracks under the door to keep smoke out. Wait at a safe window and if a phone is available, call 911 and identify your exact location. If your clothes are ignited, "stop, drop and roll."

Workplace Rules

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is the responsible for governing fire evacuation requirements in the workplace. OSHA requires employers with 10 or more employees to put fire evacuation plans in writing and keep a copy of the document on the premises. Plans must include exit routes and the process for reporting the fire. Employees involved in evacuation, operations or medical detail should have a specific plan to follow for being the last persons to vacate the facility.