Evacuation Procedures

• Building Specifics
  In the event of a fire alarm, or actual identification of a fire, smoke, or the smell of smoke, the standard rule for this building will be to evacuate the alarm floor and the two floors immediately above the alarm floor and the two floors immediately below the alarm floor. This will put the re-entry floor at least three floors below the reported alarm/fire floor.
  
  Evacuation must start immediately as the Fire Department will need access to the two floors above to determine if the fire has extended to these areas. Therefore the Fire Department will need the stairwell vacated so that it may use it for purposes of fighting the fire. This is difficult if people are moving around in it. The Fire Department uses the two floors below the alarm/fire floor as a base of operations.
  
  
• Deviation
  While it is usually advisable to go downward in a building during an alarm, there are times when it may become necessary to go to an upper floor or to the roof. This should only be done if lower floors are untenable (risky, dangerous, vulnerable) due to heat and/or smoke, or if directed to do so by the Building Management, Fire Safety Director, Building Staff or the Fire Department.
  
  
• Safe Refuge Areas
  An acceptable safe refuge area inside the building must be at least three floors below the reported fire floor. A place above the fire floor is not acceptable unless you are going up to cross over to another stairwell. An outside safe refuge area should be a remote place at least 300 feet from the building. In the event of a full building evacuation, Floor Wardens and Suite Monitors will direct occupants to the safe refuge areas located on Charleville Boulevard.
  
  
• Safe Refuge Area Accounting
  It is advisable that once occupants have relocated to their designated safe refuge areas, the Floor Wardens, Suite Monitors or other designated individuals assigned, make an accurate head count of all persons instructed to meet at their locations(s).
  
  
• Safe Refuge Communication Procedures
  Floor Wardens and Suite Monitors shall be available as communication links between the building and the occupants in the safe refuge areas. They will provide information as they obtain it to the occupants regarding the status of the emergency and any pertinent information regarding re-entry to the building at the conclusion of the emergency. If necessary, written directives and/or messages may be advisable.

Stairwell Specifics - Evacuation and Relocation

The building has three (3) stairwells for emergency evacuation use:

Stairwell #1 is located on the North side of each floor in the building. The stairwell does not have roof access.

Stairwell #2 is located on the South side of each floor in the building. The stairwell does not have roof access.

Stairwell #3 is located in the Northwest corner in the building. The roof is accessible from the 3rd floor.

NOTE: IN THE EVENT OF A BOMB THREAT, IF EVACUATION IS REQUIRED, A SAFE REFUGE AREA WILL BE DETERMINED AT THAT TIME.

Stairwell Safety Instructions

• During an Evacuation
  • Do Not Use Elevators!
  • Move quickly, but DO NOT RUN!
  • Remove high heel shoes to prevent injuries (carry them with you).
  • Know where you are headed...to a safe refuge floor or out of the building.
  • Allow enough room for others to enter the orderly flow of traffic already in the stairwell.
  • Give assistance to those who are moving slower or in need.
  • Dismiss rumors or false information. Reduce panic - refrain from using the word “fire”.
  • Treat injuries (if applicable) at the next available stairwell landing if possible.
  • DO NOT CONGREGATE IN A STAIRWELL; complete the evacuation and relocation.
    
    
• Locked Stairwell Door Information
  The stairwells are locked from the stair-shaft side at all times.
  
  Upon activation of an alarm, the stairwell doors will automatically unlock on all tenant occupied floors.
  
  
• Emergency “Defend in Place” Procedures
  If you are alone and you are not able to get out...
  DO NOT PANIC
  • Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
  • If possible, wedge a cloth material along the bottom of the door to keep smoke out.
  • Call 911 (or 1-800-688-8000 if a problem occurs with 911) and:
    • Tell them that you are trapped and cannot get out and need help.
    • Give them your address.
    • Tell them your nearest cross street.
    • Give them the phone number you are calling from. (This is important because the Fire Department may need to call you back to get more information.)
      
      
• STAY WHERE YOU ARE
  If the windows are operable and you must have air, open the window. Break the window ONLY AS A LAST RESORT, as it will become impossible to close it if necessary.
  
  
• IF YOU MUST LEAVE DUE TO IMMEDIATE FIRE DANGER
  • Do not use the elevator.
  • Feel the door before opening it.
  • Go in the safest stairwell onto the landing area.
  • Keep the stairwell door closed.
  • Tell everyone who goes down the stairs to notify the Fire Department of your location.
    
    
• WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AND REMEMBER
  • You are the expert on your own personal condition - tell your Assistance Monitor how they may best assist you! Discuss your needs in advance - there may be no time to do so in an emergency!
    
  • Smoke is what kills most people during a fire. Should you be caught in smoke it may be difficult or unsafe to transport you in an upright position. The safest air to breath is generally between one (1) and two (2) feet above the floor.
  • Check smoke detectors regularly.
    
  • Participate in fire drills where you live and work.
    
  • If you require assistance do not hesitate to inform others and request in writing to have your name included on the list of those with special needs. Otherwise, you may not be able to escape during a fire or emergency.