1. Generally, the EVACUATION DIRECTOR will be notified of fire via the alarm system or by the property team to commence evacuation procedures.
2. If fire or smoke exists and the alarm is not activated, the Emergency Response Team must implement the Plan on its own. EVACUATION DIRECTOR is to contact Searchers and Special Assistants for their suite. Together the team will commence the evacuation and assume full control of the implementation of the Plan. Do not panic, control and decorum must be observed for maximum effectiveness.

EVACUATION DIRECTORS (Tenants: manage evacuation of tenant space)

1. Direct the Emergency Response Team for their suite in the event of an alarm or fire.
2. Ensure that their suite is evacuated.
3. Follow direction provided by the fire department during an alarm or fire if possible.
4. Report the names and locations of all individuals waiting for assistance to evacuate/relocate to the local authorities.
5. Take attendance of suite occupants and visitors at you’re the Predetermined Initial Assembly Area or your suite’s Designated Meeting Location to ensure that all individuals are accounted for. Report missing persons to the local authorities.

SEARCHERS (Tenants: make sure no one is left behind)

1. Search for and evacuate occupants from all suites and common areas such as offices, restrooms, kitchens, reception areas, elevator lobbies, conference centers, fitness centers, etc. Tenants may need several Searchers depending on the size of the suite and the number of common areas to be searched. If the suite is large, divide it into quadrants and permanently assign a Searcher to a specific quadrant. If there are several common areas to be searched, assign Searchers to specific common areas.
2. If time permits, close each door after the room is searched and place a Post-it® note on the lower third of 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. It is recommended that Searchers have the Post-it notes pre-printed on white paper with large bold black lettering.
3. Direct all remaining occupants to evacuate.

SPECIAL ASSISTANTS (Tenants: aid persons requiring special assistance)

1. Two individuals must be assigned to every person requiring assistance.
2. Report to the assigned individual requiring aid.
3. Commence relocating the individual requiring aid to the nearest safe location. If there is evidence of a fire, relocate the individual to the emergency stairwell farthest away from the fire.
4. Persons who do not require special assistance are to evacuate first. The individuals requiring special assistance can then evacuate without slowing the evacuation. Do not slow or impede the evacuation, this may cause panic.
5. Move into the safe refuge area, close the door behind you, and remain on the landing. If imminent danger exists, the Emergency Response Team may assist in evacuating the individual to a safe area.
6. Report the names and locations of persons waiting for assistance to evacuate/relocate to the local authorities.

GENERAL CONDUCT DURING AN EVACUATION

1. Remain calm and quiet, to ensure that everyone is able to hear emergency evacuation announcements and instructions.
2. Walk quickly, do not run or push.
3. Remove shoes that will slow the evacuation i.e. high heels, platforms...
4. Do not eat or drink during an evacuation, spills can occur that will cause slip and fall hazards, and hot beverages can injure if spilled directly on individuals.
5. Assist slower moving individuals.
6. All injured evacuees are to be treated in a safe place and await rescue from the fire department.

 

All evacuees must follow the direction of the fire department and remain in the place that they were directed to relocate to. If you ultimately evacuate out of the building, walk toward the Predetermined Initial Assembly Area as directed.