Emergency Evacuation

You may be required to evacuate your building because of fire, a bomb threat, conditions related to severe weather, a chemical spill or for other reasons.

You could be notified of the need to evacuate by several methods, including audible alarm and verbal instructions. For information see Emergency Alert System.

Advance Preparation

  1. Review and understand the evacuation plan.
  2. Recognize the sound of the evacuation alarm.
  3. Know at least two ways out of the building from your regular work/living space.
  4. Participate in response training as appropriate.
  5. Know those who live or work near you:
    • They might need your assistance to evacuate;
    • You can look for them outside to ensure they were safely evacuated.
  6. Know that you must NEVER re-enter a building to find someone. Immediately report any missing person to Police or Fire Department personnel.

To Evacuate the Building

  1. Remain calm.
  2. Proceed quickly to the nearest exit. Do not push or shove.
  3. Do not use elevators. Hold handrails when you are walking on stairs.
  4. Never allow the fire to come between you and an exit.
  5. If you can safely do so, as you exit:
    • Close doors and windows behind you to confine the fire.
    • Quickly check nearby rooms, including restrooms, copier rooms, and storage rooms, for occupants who may not have heard the evacuation signal. Instruct them to leave the building immediately.
    • If requested, accompany and assist persons with disabilities who appear to need direction or assistance.
  6. Take with you essential personal items only. Do not attempt to take large or heavy objects. Do not return to retrieve anything.
  7. Once out of the building, report to the primary assembly point for the respective building or as instructed by Police or Fire Department personnel.
  8. Do not return to the building until instructed to do so by Police or Fire Department personnel. Again, DO NOT re-enter the building to find a missing person.