High Rise Evacuation Checklist

Completing a residential or office high-rise evacuation checklist may protect occupants of the building from fire or other potential hazards. Many buildings have state-of-the-art fire protection systems and other methods designed to keep people safe. However, the ultimate safety depends on the quality or thoroughness of the procedures in place should an orderly evacuation become necessary.

Significance

• Each evacuation checklist has to conform to the uniqueness of the particular building. Property managers or building owners should understand state laws or local building ordinances that may apply to their structure. Many managers meet with their insurers and/or fire departments to obtain suggestions for formulating an effective checklist evacuation. In some municipalities, the plan must meet the approval of the fire marshal or building code authorities.

Plan

• Develop a floor plan and post the plan in prominent places on each floor of the high rise. Periodically review the building evacuation plan to ensure the plan incorporates the latest practices and make revisions as necessary. The plan should specify the conditions necessary for evacuation or going to a "shelter-in-place." A "shelter-in-place" refers to a room within a building with few or no windows, which functions as a safe area in case of a chemical spell or biological hazard.

  Some other features of the plan should include chain of command and identifying the individual who has the authority to order an evacuation of the building. In addition, an effective plan includes floor teams, designated routes, exits, and alternative escape routes. Pay special to the details for the evacuation of disable persons and specialized equipment, such as evacuation chairs. Some plans may also include language on who, if anyone, should remain in the building to close down certain equipment or operations. Designate a meeting place on the outside and a system for accounting for employees or residents once on the outside.

Equipment

• Consider having visual and audible fire-alarm systems to provide warning. A communication system, such as a intercom, or public address system should be installed to aid in directing evacuees to appropriate or less congested staircases. Elderly and disabled individuals cannot easily maneuver stairs and may have a difficult time evacuating a high-rise building, and it may take rescue crews or the fire department some time to get to the building. Many managers address this concern by planning getting these individuals out with the use of with evacuation chairs.

  Some other equipment may include respirators, automated vents that open in case of fire, fire extinguishers and in-door water hoses. Periodically check redundant lighting systems, emergency escape lighting, and signage and safety way-guidance systems.

Drills

• Building management must use evacuation drills as a means of assessing the effectiveness of their plans and the training. This not only pinpoints weaknesses or problem areas, but also provides a means of detecting components of the plan and training that need improvements. Conduct drills for various conditions, such as fire, chemical hazards or other situations. In addition, schedule drills often enough to allow employees, residents and floor leaders to become familiar with procedures and the use of equipment.