How to Safely Evacuate an Office Building

If an office emergency requires an evacuation of your office, you should know how to do so safely and quickly and safely. Whether your office has a bomb threat, gas leak or fire, there are certain steps that should be taken to ensure you and your coworkers escape the building.

Instructions

• 1

  Drop what you are doing and move toward the nearest exit. The University of California at Berkeley's Office of Disaster Preparedness insists you proceed to the building's exit with caution in the event of an emergency. Resist the urge to grab personal belongings, as these are replaceable, while you are not.

• 2

  Avoid elevators as you move toward the outside exit. Elevator functions have been known to fail, causing you to become trapped. Elevator shafts may fill with smoke or poisonous gas. Often, building supervisors are instructed to stop elevators on the main floor, allowing the doors to remain open, so first responders can see that no-one is trapped inside.

• 3

  Alert others who may not have heard the warning and try to encourage those who have heard, but are not making a move to leave. However, do not put yourself at risk by spending too much time trying to convince your stubborn co-worker to exit with you. Just be sure to alert a first responder that your colleague is still inside the building.

• 4

  Assist those who are physically impaired; helping them get to the nearest stairwell. Have the disabled person wait at the top of the stairs while you grab a first responder. The University of California at Berkeley's Office of Disaster Preparedness asks that you not try moving the person, unless you have been properly trained, or he is in immediate danger. Always leave the wheelchair at the stairs, as you should never try moving the disabled person in his chair.

• 5

  Convene off site, once you have exited the building. Once at the off-site destination, check in with your supervisor or your office's evacuation coordinator. Be sure she writes down your name on the list she is to compile for first responders.