The actions taken in the initial minutes of an emergency are critical. Evacuation planning is not only essential to safety but required by law in many situations. When creating a comprehensive evacuation plan the following topics should be considered:
Arrange your evacuation plan ahead of time. This goes without saying as a plan is only effective if it has been properly developed ahead of time. Many locations may already have an evacuation plan in place but reviewing these plans on a regular basis and making changes as necessary is essential. Risk assessment should be a part of the planning to identify the most critical safety issues.
Create maps and floor diagrams and post these in the appropriate locations. If your employees are not aware of your evacuation plan then it is useless. Properly located placards and bi-yearly meetings will significantly improve the success of an evacuation plan. Things to consider include the size of entryways, obstacles and stairways/elevators.
Conduct regular evacuation drills. While many individuals may find these drills annoying they are critical in ensuring a facility is prepared for an emergency. In general these drills should be part of a larger emergency plan that encompasses all possible situations.
Developing a sound evacuation plan requires a time commitment. If this is your facilities first time creating a plan you will want to consult a professional regarding implementation. Drawing from the experience of other facilities is critical as you better understand your risks and what situations have occured in other locations.
To determine the right solutions for your security needs we suggest scheduling a consultation with one of our security professionals. We will work with you one on one to identify your needs and recommend the best security solution.