Each tenant should establish an Emergency Response Team based on the positions described below. We understand that no two buildings are alike, therefore, positions can be added to your Emergency Response Team, if necessary, to provide ample coverage. In some cases, tenants may want to share responsibilities in common areas on the floor.
Each tenant should designate an EVACUATION DIRECTOR (ED) to supervise activity within your office in the event of an emergency, and be responsible for all assigned personnel. Assemble responsible and dependable employees to implement emergency evacuation or shelter-in-place. Report the names and locations of all individuals waiting for assistance in relocating/evacuating to the local authorities. Take attendance of suite occupants and visitors as the predetermined initial assembly area or designated meeting location.
SEARCHERS responsible for searching and relocating occupants from all rooms and common areas of each floor such as offices, restrooms, kitchens, labs, reception areas, elevator, lobbies, conference rooms, fitness centers, etc. If time permits, close each door after the room is searched and place a post-it note on the door saying “searched”. This alerts the fire fighters that the room has already been searched and gives them more time to fight the fire. Direct all remaining occupants on the floor to evacuate.
SPECIAL ASSISTANTS make sure that all persons requiring special assistance are evacuated safely. Special attention must be given to individuals who have difficulty hearing, opening doors, or negotiating stairwells. Include individuals confined to a wheel chair, walk with the aid of a cane, walker, crutch, artificial limb, temporary cast, or who have limiting conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, heart conditions, excessive weight, are pregnant, or have any other condition that prevents or impedes following emergency instructions. Persons who do not require special assistance are to evacuate first. The individuals requiring special assistance can then evacuate without slowing the evacuation. If there is evidence of fire, relocate the individual to the emergency stairwell farthest away from the fire or other emergency. Wheelchairs should be left behind when evacuating via the stairwells. Move into the stairwell or safe refuge area, close the door behind you, and remain on the landing. If floors above are evacuating, and the floor you are on is not affected by smoke or fire, move back onto the floor until the upper floors have evacuated so you don’t slow the evacuation. If imminent danger exists, the Emergency Response Team may assist in evacuating the individual to a safe area. Report the names and locations of persons waiting for assistance to evacuate/relocate to the Suite Monitor and local authorities.
