Evacuation options during a fire alarm, power failure or similar situations

Prolite Autoglo is in the business of saving people-for 30 plus years-and this writeup is a must read for everyone who happens to come across it. It may take 5 minutes, or maybe 10. But reading this may one day save your life.

 

EDUCATING THE COMMON MAN ABOUT DO’S AND DON’T’S WHEN CAUGHT INSIDE CLOSED PREMISES OR CROWDED PREMISES IN FIRE OR RELATED EMERGENCIES

If common people are not aware of the bare basics of evacuation from closed premises in a fire situation, they often become a part of the problem itself when the mishap occurs. A stampede, after all, is a disorganized and haphazard panic reaction that in several cases in the past, has actually added on to the casualty figures and compounded the problem. 

It is therefore important not to panic and take the textbook steps and guidelines and also helping others in that situation to calm down FIRST. 

The bare basics begin BEFORE a fire accident actually. Fire extinguishers, fire safety signs, route markers, photoluminescent signages, emergency lights, EXIT signs, emergency exit routes-uncluttered and easily usable, unjammed windows, first aid kit on hand are non-negotiable where ANY enclosed space is concerned. If you happen to own or manage a premise or know someone who does, please make him read this.

 

Vertical Evacuation - Vertical evacuation (using a stairway) is the preferred method to exit a building. All exit passageways (i.e. hallways, stairways, etc.) are marked with "Exit" signs. Stairways can be used by those who are able to evacuate with or without assistance. People with sight disabilities may require assistance. People who must use crutches or other devices as walking aids will need to use their own discretion in deciding whether they are able to use emergency exits, especially where several flights of stairs are concerned.

 

Horizontal Evacuation - Horizontal evacuation means moving away from the area of danger to a safer place on the same floor where the individual is at the time of the alarm or emergency. This type of evacuation may be required in situations where the individual cannot use exit stairs to get to the outside and must remain on a particular floor until assistance arrives. In this case, the individual should move away from the area of imminent danger (detectable smoke, fire, or unusual odor) to a safe distance (i.e., another wing, the opposite end of the corridor, or outside).

 

 

Stay in Place - In certain cases, individuals may not be able to move to another location. Unlessdanger is imminent, the individual should remain in a room with an exterior window and use his/her phone after closing the door if possible. If it is available, dial any concerned authority close by and give your name, location, and reason you are calling. Emergency Phone lines normally remain in service during building emergencies. If the phone line fails, an individual can signal from the window by waving a cloth or other visible item.