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As well as the 'normal' fire safety precautions all business' are required to undertake e.g. fire drills, alarm testing, evacuating buildings, visitor and work logs, fire marshals, fire assembly points etc. It is prudent to plan for other types of incident which may necessitate an evacuation of not only the building but the area.

In order to safeguard the welfare of all members of your organisation and customers in the event of a major incident or fire, it is recommended that you prepare an evacuation plan for your premises to agreed assembly points beyond your 'normal' fire assembly points. This plan should be tested for effectiveness through a 'rehearsal' or 'table-top' exercise to ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities and to ensure the plan is fit-for-purpose.

Whilst preparing your plan it is good practice to consider the following issues:

  • How will you ensure that all staff are aware of the contents of your plan?
  • Which staff will have specific responsibility for building evacuation? Do you need to identify deputies for those staff?
  • Where are your pre-identified fire assembly points? Are they a safe distance from your building? Which 'zone' (for businesses in pre-identified zones) are you in?
  • Where are your pre-identified bomb assembly points in adjacent zones to yours? Where is your assembly point outside the town or city centre?
  • How will you alert your staff and visitors of the need to evacuate and how will you inform them of chosen assembly points on the day?
  • How will you ensure that all of your staff can reach assembly points?
  • Do you have specific procedures to assist staff and visitors with physical or visual difficulties?
  • How will you account for all your staff and visitors (including any on-site contractors) at the assembly point?
  • Do you have an emergency 'grab bag' to be used in the event of evacuation of your premises? Contents may include a torches and spare batteries, a radio, a mobile phone and charger, essential phone numbers and your Business Continuity Plan, essential information and documents, keys, money, bottled water and a first aid kit - however you will know what is most appropriate for the needs of your organisation.
  • How will you communicate with your staff while they are out of your premises? Remember during a major incident, mobile phone networks may not be operating as normal.
  • How often will you test your evacuation plan? Good practice recommends that this activity should be done regularly to maintain levels of alertness and preparedness.
  • How often will you review your evacuation plan? Whose job will this be?