Posted on: May 18, 2022 Posted by: Aaron_George Comments: 0

Just like what some people say, “emergencies happen when you least expect it.” For this reason, every building should have an evacuation plan ready to easily manage the flow of the crowd in case of disasters or emergencies. This helps facilitate the evacuation routes for employees, personnel, customers and visitors.

When nature-related events happen such as fire, floods, typhoons or earthquakes, an evacuation plan can come in handy. This is true even for man-produced emergencies including accidental chemical spills, bomb threats and civil disturbances.

So, is it imperative to implement an emergency evacuation plan in the workplace?

Importance of Evacuation Plans

It is noteworthy that being prepared truly matters. Additionally, the best way to respond to an emergency is by being ready even before it happens.

Here are some reasons why it helps to have emergency evacuation diagrams & plans, especially in workplaces:

1.   Clear Chain of Command

An evacuation plan typically involves assigning people to lead their group in case of disaster or emergency. A good example of this is the chief and assistant fire wardens who are assigned to lead evacuation routes when a fire breaks.

Accordingly, you simply need to follow the white or yellow hat for an orderly exit. If you need a fire extinguisher, follow the person that wears the red hat and follow the one with a green hat for first aid needs. This way, you would know where to proceed or who to follow.

2.   Assembly Points

An efficient evacuation plan should include an assembly point where everyone can convene following an evacuation. This prevents people from scattering and loitering around. It also helps manage and ensure that everyone is accounted for.

3.   Prevents Panic and Extend Assistance

When an emergency happens, people tend to disperse, seemingly unsure what to do. Understandably, panicking can be unavoidable as it is an automatic psychological response to something unexpected or unknown.

In most instances, panicking results in a domino effect, especially if they are just customers or visitors to the workplace. By having an evacuation plan, panic can be prevented and it can also help others to calm down and follow the rules being implemented.

Consequently, if the employees and personnel know what the evacuation plan includes, they can easily offer help and assistance to customers and visitors. They can guide others where to go and what the best possible route is from where they are situated.

4.   Regular Inspections

One of the most important reasons why your workplace should have emergency evacuation plans is to regularly inspect exit points, communication devices, storage rooms, fire extinguishers, first aid kits and emergency prone areas and things. By doing so, you can be sure that any emergencies can be handled optimally and with no casualties.

Building managers should regularly check if hallways and exit routes are free from obstructions. They are also tasked to inspect storage and electrical rooms to ensure that no combustibles may cause an unwarranted fire.

Periodic inspection of communication devices and battery packs should also be completed. The content and expiration dates of fire extinguishers should also be checked every 6 months. First aid kits should be checked and updated at least every other month. Make sure that no medicine or ointment is expired and other medical necessities are refilled.

5.   Implement Training and Drills

Having earthquake and fire drills are part of evacuation plans making them important and advantageous. This helps everyone to be prepared for whatever disaster and emergency may occur.

How can an evacuation plan become more effective?

The first thing that you should do is to ask public emergency offices or organisations about the natural disasters that typically happen within the area of your workplace. This is to give you the time to make necessary preparations in terms of manpower, equipment and facilities. You may also ask about their response time and any medical services that they can offer.

It also helps to assess environmental as well as other risks that may cause the spread of the disaster or emergency including electricity poles, huge old trees, access roads and communication lines.

Remember to ask public emergency offices about emergency and safety precaution rules and regulations that are implemented within the locality. You should also determine if evacuation shelters are necessary for every type of disaster. In this case, an additional evacuation route to such areas should also be considered.

You should also orient and advise the members of your department about what evacuation route to take. Remind everyone to stay calm and never move or do things alone. It helps to always have a companion around when emergencies take place.

Keep in mind that drills and training are not a waste of time. They can significantly save lives, so make sure to participate in earthquake or fire drills. If your company assigned you as the fire warden and you need to undergo training, graciously accept it. You’ll be surprised at how efficient a workplace can be with volunteers like you.

If you are uncertain about how to create an effective evacuation plan, never hesitate to ask for assistance.

Contact Workplace Emergency Management for quality and comprehensive evacuation and emergency training!

Leave a Comment