3 Steps for Conducting an Emergency Escape Drill

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

Practicing an evacuation plan is one way to stay safe in the event of an emergency

3 Basic Steps For Any Emergency Escape Drill

In the event of a building fire or any sudden catastrophe, it is important that you and your employees know what to do in a pinch. Take the time to regularly practice evacuation procedures, and follow each step carefully. Whether it is a mock fire drill or a real-life crisis situation, here are three basic steps for any emergency escape drill.

1. Establish Clear Communication

Authorize a particular person to order a mandatory evacuation and determine how he or she will share this message with other employees. This prevents any confusion over whether or not to evacuate. There should also be a system in place for communicating with non-English speaking persons and disabled workers to ensure they have the assistance they need.

2. Manage Vital Operations

Depending on the type of workplace, you might need to designate some individuals to attend to critical functions. This may include anything from turning off ovens in a restaurant to securing hazardous chemicals in a laboratory. Even in the case of a fire drill, it is best to arrange a full shutdown of operations when possible. This gives everyone the most comprehensive understanding of their duties in the event of a real emergency. However, remind all employees that their own safety comes first. If they do not have time to safely attend to operations, they should simply focus on evacuating.

3. Practice Escaping

Develop clear evacuation pathways from every possible location in the building. Be sure these plans are mindful of employees with disabilities or special needs. The best type of plan will depend upon the layout of your building. Exit doors and escape routes should be clearly labeled, and diagrams should be posted in accessible locations throughout the building. After each fire drill or evacuation practice, consult with your employees to determine where they may have suggestions or concerns.
Practicing an evacuation plan is one way to stay safe in the event of an emergency. Another helpful step is knowing who to call after disaster strikes. Whether dealing with fire repairs or storm cleanup, trusted restoration professionals in Danbury,CT, can help your business get back on track after an unexpected event.