Evacuation Procedures for a Fire Alarm

On average, people have two minutes to get out of a burning building alive, according to the Seattle Fire Department. Creating evacuation procedures and teaching everyone to follow them makes the most of those two minutes. Put evacuation procedures in writing, along with maps of all exits. Post copies at the exits to all public rooms. Local law might also require you to file a copy with your fire marshal. Clearly label all building exits. Keep smoke detectors and other fire alarm equipment maintained. Execute these procedures often enough and employees will react without thinking when they hear an alarm.

Fire Department

• Get firefighters there as soon as possible.

  According to the Seattle Fire Department, immediately call your emergency number and report any fire alarm. Designate someone to make this call. Continue evacuation procedures until everyone leaves the building or the alarm is confirmed false. Inform the fire department of a confirmed false alarm. Do not turn off the alarm until instructed to do so by the emergency operator. Simulate the alarm and these phone calls for fire drills.

Safety Officers

• Children need help evacuating.

  Appoint enough safety officers to evacuate children, guests and adults with disabilities. Define each safety officer's evacuation area. Don't forget restrooms. Safety officers verify by sight that their areas are clear, and account for all the people in their assigned areas. For example, each teacher evacuates her classroom. She accounts for all her students by taking roll once they are outside.

Nearest Exit

• Change light bulbs in exit signs right away.

  When possible, use the nearest exit. If smoke, fire, or debris block the nearest exit, find the next nearest exit on the map posted there. Walk at all times. Once you exit, stay out of the building. Do not walk against exiting traffic.

Elevators

• Leave elevators as free as possible for the firemen. Evacuate everyone who can walk through the stairwells. Elevator shafts can fill with smoke, and elevators can fail in a fire. Stay safe and use the stairs.

Close Doors

• After evacuating a room, close the door and post an "All Clear" sign. Have these signs ready by all doors. Do not block or prop open any doors. Closed doors help contain fire and smoke.

Leave Belongings

• Don't carry any bulky objects as you evacuate.

  Grab your keys and wallet if nearby, but leave any other belongings. Carrying things presents a hazard, and the time it takes to find valuables may allow the fire to trap you. Safety officers can get the keys and wallets of disabled adults.