Why is evacuation necessary

Identify where you can go in the event of an evacuation. Try to have more than one option: the home of a friend or family member in another town, a hotel or a shelter. Keep the phone numbers and addresses of these locations handy.

Map out your primary routes and backup routes to your evacuation destinations in case roads are blocked or impassable. Try to have a physical map of the area available in case GPS satellite transmissions are down or your devices run out of power.

Pre-arrange a designated place to meet in case your family members are separated before or during the evacuation. Make the location specific, for example, "meet at the big clock in the middle of town square" not "meet at the town square". Ask an out-of-town friend or family member to act as a contact person for your family. Put all evacuation plans in writing along with pertinent addresses and phone numbers and give them to each member of the family.

Note that many home printer inks are NOT waterproof, so take appropriate precautions to ensure legibility. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Plan what to take Many families choose to have a "go bag" ready with some of these critical items. Prescriptions and other medicines First aid kit Bottled water Flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries Clothing and bedding sleeping bags, pillows Special equipment for infants or elderly or disabled family members "Comfort items," such as special toys for children Computer hard drive and laptop Cherished photographs Pet food and other items for pets litter boxes, leashes 3.

Create a home inventory Making a home inventory and having it handy will be useful if you need to apply for disaster aid. If reporting to an assembly area is not safe or feasible, contact supervisors or other appropriate individuals to inform them of your safety and location. It is important to be aware of the nearest exits and building emergency evacuations routes prior to an emergency.

Take note of primary and secondary building evacuation routes before an event occurs so that you will be equipped to act fast and ensure your safety. Strategies for an Effective Evacuation The goal of evacuation is to leave the premises as quickly and safely as possible. The following strategies may promote an effective evacuation: Exit the premises through the nearest exit.

Exit immediately, do not return for personal items. If possible, inform others of the evacuation. If possible, help others evacuate. Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow. Use the safest evacuation route possible. Avoid coming in contact with the hazard fire, suspicious package, violent intruder, etc. Hallways and unused spaces become dumping grounds for odds and ends.

Over time, those little piles of junk turn into large piles that block exit routes that are necessary during an evacuation of the building. An evacuation plan forces employees to walk along their route of escape in a calm, and measured manner. As they move along the path, they can take note of blockages on the route that limit mobility, dead light bulbs that need to be replaced to lit emergency stairwells, or missing first aid kits at important junctures in the escape route.

Cool heads and clear plans are often the difference between life and death in an emergency that requires an evacuation. Employers who take the time to thoroughly develop an evacuation plan provide their employees with a safer workplace , and may even save lives.

Learn to identify and analyze potential workplace hazards, infractions and risks through a bachelor of science in occupational safety online. At Eastern Kentucky University, you will gain a graduate-level education by industry-experienced educators and fire and safety professionals who are committed to teaching and preparing you for continued success.

Skip to main content. Evacuation plans are important for a number of reasons. Create A Clear Chain Of Command In the confusion of a workplace emergency, most people want to run and get out of the building as quickly as possible; however, doing so increases the risk of injury and property damage.

In general, companies need four roles covered: Point of Contact—This person communicates with emergency services, and makes the decision about when an evacuation should occur. Coordinator—Once an evacuation is declared, the coordinator completes the list of safety tasks, including shutting off gas lines, doubling checking offices and bathrooms for stragglers, and securing the site as best they can.

Head Counter—On the ground outside, head counters ensure everyone is accounted for. If each department uses their own head counter, they need to report to a central authority. First Aid—Burns, cuts, and other minor injuries can be treated with the tools in a first aid kit until emergency services arrive.

Several members of the staff should have some understanding of basic first aid, so everyone gets treatment. In small offices, a person can hold more than one position, but all four are still necessary. Designated Meeting Place Evacuation plans let employees know exactly where to go after leaving the building.