Certain emergencies require full evacuation of the building. Evacuation emergencies include fires and bomb threats. In the event of an evacuation emergency, the fire alarm will be activated. During an evacuation emergency, the elevators will not respond to call buttons. USE THE STAIRS EVACUATE.
There are two main stairs in the building for emergency evacuation. Tenants should familiarize themselves with the location of the nearest stairwell. Stairs are located on the north and south sides of the building core. During normal circumstances the stairwell doors on floors three through eight are secured to prevent unauthorized access to the floors; when the building goes into alarm these doors will automatically unsecure.
Floor Wardens:
All tenants in the building a responsible for designating at least two floor wardens for the suite; a primary warden and a deputy warden to fill in in the event the primary warden is out of the building at the time of an emergency. Floor wardens are responsible for knowing the tenant relocation and/or evacuation plan, floor layouts and location and use of fire equipment. During an evacuation they are responsible for implementing an orderly evacuation.
Floor wardens are also responsible for educating their colleagues about emergency procedures. Floor wardens should maintain a list of those who need special assistance in the event of an evacuation and ensure assistance is available. Floor warden should can assume a leadership role and command cooperation during an event and should be individuals that are typically in the office daily.
In the event of an evacuation floor wardens should feel doors in the path of exit for heat that might indicate fire on the opposite side and check for smoke. If a stairwell is unsafe they should direct evacuees to an alternative exit. Floor wardens should verify that all individuals have exited their area of responsibility and report to building management as they exit the building.
If their area is clear they are to provide the following information:
- Their area of responsibility
If there are individuals that have sheltered in place they should provide the following information:
- How many
- Where
- For what reason
- Best practice for sheltering in place would be away from the perimeter of the building and in or near the building core.
Tenant Safety Planning:
All tenants are responsible for:
- Pre-planned evacuation routes.
- Informed and capable floor wardens.
- A comprehensive evacuation plan for your space.
- A pre-arranged meeting place away from the building for assembly in the event of a building evacuation.
- Reporting clear areas and individuals sheltering in place to building management as they exit the building.
- Identify weak points observed during evacuation drills; discuss internally and correct and/or reach out to building management where necessary.
- Maintain an up to date list of floor wardens and responsible persons.
During an Evacuation:
- When the fire alarm is activated on your floor, all occupants should evacuate the building through the stairwell(s).
- Methods for evacuating individual that need special assistance should be discussed in advance.
- Evacuation of individuals needing assistance should be done once stairwells have cleared of other evacuees.
Your safety team should:
- Gather flashlights or other emergency lighting, first aid kits, equipment and other emergency supplies.
- Gather employee rosters to account for employees at your off-site gathering location.
- Take only essentials with you and do not return for additional papers or belongings. It is the tenant’s decision whether they choose to leave their suite entry doors locked or unlocked after all employees have evacuated the suite.
- Secure special company records and information systems.
- Unplug electrical equipment such as copiers, hot plates and coffee makers.
- Check the area, especially restrooms for remaining visitors or employees. Instruct floor searchers to turn off lights and to close but not lock interior doors.
- Reassemble at your off-site location and account for all individuals.
- Emergency responders will determine when we can reenter the building, as soon as we have been told we will notify the emergency contacts.
Emergency Evacuation Drills:
- Emergency evacuation drills are held once per year to practice evacuation procedures. Everyone is required to participate, and tenants are encouraged to practice their in-house emergency evacuation procedures.
- Upon completion of the evacuation drill, please communicate any questions or concerns to building management.
- Building management will notify tenant contacts in advance of scheduled emergency evacuation drills.
