Building Evacuation During a Pandemic

There are several important fire safety features, which should be considered when conducting Fire Drills requiring evacuation:

· FIRE ALARM SIGNAL – Fire alarms provide early detection of potential fire and notification to evacuate. At the sounding of the alarm students/teacher & staff should move into the hall as rapidly as possible without crowding or running. The teacher will take the Multi-Hazard Emergency Management Procedures and Protocols (red book) manual and the class roll. Teachers will also check to see that everyone is out of the room and will close the door. Keep exit path widths open at least 48 inches.
 

· DOORS AND ESCAPE ROUTES –Exit doors must be easily recognized and shouldn’t be hidden with paint or decorations. Make certain classroom door windows are not covered and are free from excessive paper.

Exit and emergency lights must be in good working order at all times. You can assist your school in reporting any non-functioning exit signs or emergency lights, or those in disrepair, to the plant manager or administrator. Nothing should obstruct visibility of these signs.

Fire-rated doors cannot be held open, locked, propped open, or chained, and must have latches.
 

· EVACUATION OF STUDENTS AND STAFF NEEDING ASSISTANCE

When you are evacuating the building, please be aware of students and staff with disabilities, special needs, and mobility challenges, such as wheelchairs, braces and other mobility devices. Keep the exit paths clear.
 

· STUDENT ASSEMBLY AREAS —Each class will move to its assigned evacuation location on the baseball field or back parking lot. No one should remain near or in the building. The teacher will account for all students. Students are to remain 6 feet apart, in their designated areas, during the drill. Everyone will remain in the assembly areas until the grade level administrators call an “ALL CLEAR” and direct you to prepare to re-enter the building.

Remember, this is only a drill. In the event of an “actual emergency”, standard evacuation procedures apply, which require all building occupants to exit the building as promptly and safely as possible.

Practice makes perfect! Practice reduces panic and injuries.