Know your Exit | InstantEVAC »

A disorganized evacuation can result in confusion, injury and property damage.

If the Governor or other important guests were visiting your company and the fire alarm sounded would there be adequate signage to lead them to safety? Think about it ...

You already know several ways to leave your building because you do it every day but visitors, contractors and important guests are intended users for evacuation maps/plans.

Does your facility want this embarrassment?

For a safe evacuation people should know more than one exit route to take in case one is blocked, terms known as a Primary Exit Route and a Secondary Exit Route, and be familar with where to go once they exit the building, terms known as Refuge Area or Assembly Area. Emergency crews also need to know exactly where to go.

Remember, an exit route is a continous and unobstructed path of travel from any point within a building to safety. Exit discharges must lead directly outside to a street, refuge area or open space with access to the outside. Exit discharge areas must be large enough to accommodate the building occupants with evacuation maps posted along the exit route indicating path of travel to the nearest exit and exit discharge.

Also, let's not forget our friends with mobility impairments. Have you assigned a "buddy" in case of an emergency to assist? People with mobility impairments should be provided written directions and copies of evacuation maps showing all directional signs and usable paths of travel that will accommodate a wheelchair for example. Be sure to train your staff in the safe evacuation of people with mobility issues, educate on the cradle carry or inchair carry evacuation methods.