APPENDIX 9: EVACUATION PLAN

<Organization>

Evacuation plan

<Version>

<Date of approval and publishing>

Description of building

• building name: …
• location: …
• number of floors: …
• type of building (cement/wood/bricks/etc.): …
• floors utilized by <organization>: …
• working days and hours: …
• assembly point(s): …

Map containing building and assembly point(s)

<Insert a map or aerial photo of the area containing the building and the assembly points>.

Floor layouts

<Insert layouts of floors utilized, indicating clearly the locations of the exit doors, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits>.

Handling fire emergencies

In the event of fire and evacuation orders being issued

Please follow these guidelines:

• Do not fight fires unless you are confident of your ability to put them out.
• Trigger the closest fire alarm.
• Leave the area quietly and calmly.
• Do not wait for others.
• Do not hold hands with others.
• Go to the nearest exit.
• If doors are closed, use the push bar or the emergency door release switches found next to doors.
• Walk. Do not run or push others.
• Keep to the sides of the aisles, stairs, and corridors. Do not walk in the middle.
• Women should take off high heels if they obstruct movement.
• Do not use the elevators. Use only emergency exits.
• When reaching the assembly point, call the emergency services <such as 911/999>.
• Report any person you think is still inside.
• Never go back to the building without emergency officials’ permission.
• Do not argue with emergency officials and always follow their instructions.

If you are unable to evacuate the building

• Call emergency services <such as 911/999> and report your situation, location, and status.
• If the fire is outside the room, close the door and use available materials to close holes or gaps where flames and smoke can pass through.
• If smoke enters the room, stay close to the ground as smoke tends to rise.
• If there are windows around, open them and signal your position if possible.

When calling the emergency services

• The number is <such as 911/999>.
• Speak calmly using clearly understood language.
• Do not be conservative. Give as much information as needed.
• Do not call back unnecessarily.

Roles and responsibilities

Emergency team leader

• Assign and recruit emergency team members.
• Maintain, update, and circulate the evacuation plan across <organization>.
• Issue evacuation and return-to-building orders.
• Coordinate with emergency services before, during, and after the evacuation.
• Plan and deliver necessary training and awareness activities.

Emergency team members

• Assist in executing the evacuation plan.
• Trigger and activate the alarm systems.
• Assist emergency services during evacuation.
• Alert people to start evacuating the building.
• Direct people to exits and assembly points.
• Report any new developments or issues to the emergency team leader.

Emergency team checklist

• Activate alarms.
• Alert people to leave.
• Direct people to exits and safe points.
• Assist disabled people and people with special needs.
• Make sure no one is left behind.
• Conduct a head count at the assembly point.
• Report any missing people to emergency services.

Important emergency numbers

• emergency services: <such as 911/999>.
• emergency team leader: …
• emergency team members: …

Employees’ emergency contact information