Do you have a thorough evacuation plan?
Implementing an evacuation plan takes strategy and leadership. You want to avoid the loss of life and know what to do when it counts the most. Keeping your team safe should always be your top priority. While this guide is not exhaustive, it includes things that you should consider to execute an efficient evacuation. Being prepared versus not being ready for a fire emergency can be a matter of life or death. However, strategizing a plan doesn’t come naturally to all businesses. We hope to make it a little more comprehensive.
Acknowledge All Parties Involved
This tip goes deeper than just telling your employees not to take the elevator. Are any of your employees disabled? If they were, would you know how to instruct them on staying safe during a fire emergency? From employees to customers, you want to keep everyone in mind that could be impacted by a fire. The most thorough evacuation plan acknowledges all people and has specific procedures for them.
Designate A Few Leaders
Where there’s an emergency, there is chaos. It’s even more chaotic when people don’t know who to listen to, or who has authority. Designating an apparent chain of command helps mitigate confusion. You can require specific employees to bring order to an emergency and direct evacuations. Some crucial tasks include accounting for all employees, assisting those that may need help, and shutting down critical operations.
Make Fire Safety Planning a Priority
Most disasters are not thought about until they happen. Being proactive and not reactive is always the goal. Fires are an often underestimated threat. Make fire safety strategies a priority. Some of these strategies include making sure that your building always complies with fire safety codes and regulations. It also includes making sure that your establishment has regular inspections. You can also offer employee training or drills every few months to ensure that people know how to safely exit a building, how to use a fire extinguisher correctly, and fire safety hazards to avoid.
Document Your Evacuation Plan
Once you have a solid plan, document it. Make sure that it’s visible. Post copies around the building, and have a digital copy that anyone can access. We also suggest that you have a post-disaster plan as well. In the case of property damage, injuries, or worse, you and your employees should know where to begin to recover.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience in designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480 or contact us online. For more fire safety tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.