Building Evacuation Procedures

Be Prepared

• In a home or high-rise or anything in between, know where the exits are located. In many buildings, especially high-rises, fire and evacuation drills are fairly common practices. Schools also hold regular fire and evacuation drills. But what about your home? Gather as a family and discuss the best routes by which to evacuate a house in the event of earthquake, fire or other disaster. Designate a meeting location for all family members outside. In addition, have at least two evacuation plans and then practice your own evacuation drills at least two or three times a year to make sure routes and routines are familiar and accessible for all members of the family.

Go Down, Not Up!

• If at all possible, never go up in the case of an emergency in a high-rise. Many people egress to the top floors or roof of buildings, which often leaves them trapped with nowhere to go. Most evacuation plans, both domestically and abroad, direct occupants to descend to grade or street levels in the event of an emergency. Some office buildings, airports and high-rise buildings in tornado country have tornado shelters in bathrooms or basements, so make sure you know the evacuation policy in such scenarios. Avoid using the elevator, as electrical shortages may leave you stranded. When using stairwells, remain calm and move as quickly as you can without panicking.

Remember: RED

• The National Fire Protection Agency recommends that individuals and building occupants remember the acronym RED in any emergency that may require evacuation. RED stands for React, Evaluate and Decide. React to the situation by calling 911 or pulling the alarm system. Evaluate the situation and its potential threat. Then, you must Decide. You basically have two choices: evacuate or stay where you are.