Evacuation
How to Evacuate a Burning Building
- The last one out of the room should not lock the door, just close it. Locking the door hinders the fire department's search and rescue efforts.
- Proceed to the exit as outlined in the building's emergency action plan.
- NEVER use the elevators under any circumstances.
- Stay low to avoid smoke and toxic gases. The best air is close to the floor, so crawl if necessary.
- If possible, cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth to help you breathe.
- If you work in a building with multiple stories, a stairway will be your primary escape route. Most enclosed stairwells in buildings over two stories are "rated" enclosures and will provide you a safe means of exit; don't panic and descend stairs slowly and carefully.
- Once in a stairwell, proceed down to the fist floor. Never go up.
- Once outside the building, report to a predetermined area so that a head count can be taken.