Introduction to Emergency Evacuation

Book excerpt: When it’s not just a drill, you need to get it right the first time. If an emergency alert sounds, are you ready to take charge and get everyone out of the office, theatre, classroom, or store safely? In Introduction to Emergency Evacuation: Getting Everybody Out When it Counts, Jim Burtles explains the practical basics of understanding your site, planning escape routes, and providing for people with special needs. When minutes count, you will be ready to take action! From 30+ years of working with organizations like yours, Burtles knows the challenges you face. He tells you what you need to know as you plan to evacuate people of all ages and health conditions – whether it’s from small offices, skyscrapers, stores, industrial plants, hospitals, college campuses, or other venues. In this short book, Burtles tells you how to: Analyze the site, identifying escape routes and assembly areas. Select and train emergency response teams who will be ready to assist when needed. Calculate the amount of time to allow to evacuate people from different locations – using the author’s own proven formula. Anticipate the personal needs of people who have been suddenly evacuated – from coats to transportation to medical assistance. Learn the needs and limitations of people with disabilities, creating personal evacuation plans for them. Create signage that will be effective for anyone who will be in the area – from workers to customers to visitors. Communicate during the emergency. Check and double-check to make sure nobody is left behind. Finally, to save you time in your emergency planning, Burtles ends the book ends with a bonus comprehensive “Emergency Evacuation Checklist” containing the essentials you need to make sure your plan covers everything you need.