Safety Evacuation Procedures

Fire Evacuation Procedures

• In the event of a fire, or if you smell or see smoke, you will want to locate an alarm and trigger it, immediately. When you hear an alarm sound, leave the building at once---walking, not running---for the nearest exit. If you run and shove, you may cause a deadly pile-up in the doors, which will likely trap and crush individuals in the burning building. Locate the nearest fire escape and use it to climb to safety. According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), if you live in a two-story home, be sure to have a fire escape ladder that attaches to your windowsill, so you can escape from the top floor, if necessary.

Earthquake Evacuation Procedures

• In the event of an earthquake that causes a building to collapse, stay put until you are sure the building has ceased moving, for the time being. Then, search for a flashlight or use the light from your cell phone to get your bearings. Move slowly through the rubble toward any natural light source, as this is generally your way out.

  If others are trapped with you, designate a person or nominate yourself, to help others evacuate. This also is helpful in a situation in which a bus has rolled over, since you generally have time to stop and think, before acting. Place someone at the exit, to help others escape, while another person assists the injured, small children or the elderly.

Tornado Evacuation Procedures

• Seek the lowest, most sturdiest room in your home, when a tornado approaches. However, if you happen to be driving and you see a tornado, you should evacuate the vehicle, quickly. Find a low-lying ditch, and lay inside it, with your head down, recommends FEMA. Do not wait for the wind and rain to stop, before leaving your car, since it could be too late to act; however, do not exit the vehicle, if it is hailing. Hail has the potential to render you unconscious.