Evacuations
A building evacuation can happen due to different emergencies like fire, gas leaks, or hazardous material releases. Usually, the fire alarm is used for evacuation. When you hear the fire alarm, it means you need to evacuate the building.
1. Stop what you are doing, grab your personal belongings that are near you and leave the area closing doors and windows.
2. Calmly leave the building utilizing the nearest emergency exit/stairwell.
3. Once outside, move away from the building.
4. After an evacuation, do NOT re-enter the building until directed to do so by emergency personnel.
General tips about evacuations
- Familiarize yourself with your surroundings before an evacuation order or fire alarm.
- Locate the nearest:
- Directional signage for the way out,
- emergency stairwell,
- fire pull station,
- fire extinguisher and
- emergency phone.
- Avoid evacuating by elevator, escalator, or using open staircases. Always follow illuminated evacuation signs.
- Know that fire alarm bells always indicate an evacuation order.
- If an emergency door fails to open, hold the door's exit bar for 15 seconds or pull the blue lever next to the door to release the door's magnet.
