Evacuation Procedures: What to Know Before an Emergency

Whether you’re working indoors or outdoors, knowing what to do before, during, and after an evacuation can make all the difference.

Emergencies don’t wait for the right moment. Fires, chemical spills, structural hazards, or other unexpected events can force a workplace evacuation with no warning. The key to a safe evacuation isn’t luck… it’s preparation.

Know Your Role Before the Alarm Sounds

Every worker has a part to play when an evacuation is needed. The safest outcomes come when people are calm, focused, and clear about their responsibilities.

Evacuation Wardens are assigned to help others exit the area safely. They check rooms and restrooms to ensure no one is left behind and are among the last to leave.

Stay-Behind Personnel may be trained to perform specific duties such as shutting down equipment or using fire extinguishers. They must leave immediately if the situation becomes unsafe.

All Other Workers are responsible for leaving immediately and safely as soon as the alarm sounds.

If you’re not assigned a specific task, your role is simple: leave the area immediately and safely once the alarm sounds. Even if your only responsibility is to exit, how you act matters.

Staying calm, encouraging others to follow, and avoiding panic can influence your coworkers in a positive way. Being confident and following the rules can help prevent injuries during high-stress situations.

Planning Is Everything: Know the Routes, Know the Plan

Don’t wait for an emergency to figure out where to go. A safe evacuation depends on preparation.

Workers should take time to find out who the evacuation wardens are in their area and ask their supervisor if they’re expected to take on any specific duties during an emergency.

You should also know where to locate the Emergency Action Plan and review it in advance, so you’re not scrambling to understand it during a real crisis.

One of the most important steps is identifying at least two exit routes from every location where you work. You should also be familiar with the sounds of emergency alarms and know where those alarms are located. Route diagrams and floor plans posted in buildings and job sites should be reviewed regularly.

If you ever notice an exit is blocked or locked, report it immediately because it could cost lives in an actual emergency.

In situations where smoke or power loss causes low visibility, mental mapping can be critical. Visualize your route in the dark. Count how many steps or desks there are between your workstation and the exit. Take note of physical landmarks like water fountains, doors, or signs that can guide you. Practicing these steps in your head will make it easier to stay oriented even if you’re crawling on the floor.

When the Alarm Sounds, Move Immediately

As soon as the alarm sounds, evacuate. Do not wait, ignore it, or try to finish what you’re doing. The alarm means the situation has been assessed, and the safest action is to get out.

If it’s safe, turn off any equipment you’re using, but don’t waste time gathering personal items. Never use elevators and walk quickly without running.

During evacuation, stay with your group if possible, and follow the posted signs or markings for exit routes. If someone nearby seems panicked or confused, speak up and help guide them, as long as it doesn’t put you in danger.

Once outside, move away from the building and head directly to the designated assembly area (also known as a muster point). Upon arrival, check in with a supervisor or evacuation warden so that your presence can be confirmed.

One of the most important rules is not to re-enter the building until you’re told it’s safe. If the situation is serious, you may be released to go home, but only after officials have confirmed that everyone has been accounted for.

Special Procedures for Fire or Explosion Hazards

Fires present specific dangers like heat, smoke, and collapsing structures. Take extra precautions to protect yourself.

Before opening a closed door, touch it with the back of your hand. If it’s hot, do not open it because there could be fire on the other side. Instead, choose another route.

As you leave, close doors behind you to slow the spread of flames and smoke. If smoke is present, get low to the ground or crawl to access cleaner air near the floor. Avoid doing anything that might cause a spark, including turning off lights or electronics.

Explosions may occur either before or during a fire and can destabilize floors, ceilings, and walls. Be alert to falling debris, shattered glass, and shifting structures. Avoid windows or damaged areas, and if things begin collapsing, take cover under a sturdy table or desk.

Real-Life Scenario: A warehouse worker who had practiced his evacuation route knew where the exits were but had never thought about a fire cutting the lights. When it actually happened, he stayed calm and used wall contact and floor markers to guide himself and a coworker safely through a smoke-filled hallway.

Hazmat Emergencies: Know How to Stay Safe

Hazardous material incidents require special precautions during evacuation. If a spill, release, or leak occurs, follow the Emergency Action Plan and evacuate immediately. If PPE is required and safe to put on, do so before leaving.

When escaping from a contaminated area, move upstream, upwind, or crosswind from the source of the hazard. Stay far away from unfamiliar liquids, powders, or materials and don’t step in them or touch them under any circumstances.

During a hazmat evacuation, here are a few key actions to keep in mind:

• Do not use electrical switches or devices near flammable materials because flipping them can create sparks.
• Avoid breathing in smoke, vapors, or fumes, even if they don’t have a noticeable smell.
• Once at the assembly area, do not smoke or use your phone until emergency responders give the all-clear.
• If you believe you were exposed to hazardous substances, tell someone at the assembly point right away, even if you feel fine. Symptoms may be delayed, and early treatment can prevent serious health effects.
• Do not return to the site until emergency personnel authorize re-entry.

By staying informed, prepared, and calm, every worker can help make evacuations safer. Emergencies may be unpredictable, but your actions don’t have to be.