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Key Steps to Orchestrating a Fire Drill in the Office
5/10/2022 (Permalink)
You probably remember being in school and going through periodic drills to get ready for the possibility of a fire. You may have scoffed at these occasions, but the information and practice are valuable. As a business leader, you should carry on the same tradition and consistently hold a fire drill. You hope to never experience a fire in your workplace, but the knowledge and preparation can give you peace of mind.Map Out the Building
Regardless of the size of your office, you and everyone at work need to be aware of the layout and design. Study the map and determine the most effective and the safest exit routes from every floor and from every portion of the facility during an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the locations of fire extinguishers and any life saving devices that may be available. (AED)
Assign Roles
A fire drill should definitely not be a free-for-all where everyone rushes out of the building without order There are critical responsibilities that people should play in this scenario. These include the following:
- Team lead or floor warden, who is responsible for making sure everyone gets out safely
- Communication specialist, who can teach employees about the drill steps and what to do in an emergency
- Design specialist, who can come up with the physical or digital representation of the escape route and meeting place.
Talk About It
Before having a drill, it is essential that all employees in the organization understand what will take place and what they will do once it begins. In groups meetings or in a company gathering, discuss the critical components of your drill, including where to meet and the importance of leaving promptly but calmly.
Practice
Have a drill at least once a year. This will benefit newer employees and refresh the memories of more seasoned workers. Afterward, discuss with the group what went well and what improvements are necessary.
After a fire, you can rely on experienced fire restoration specialists to get your building back to working order. However, you must do your part to evacuate safely and avoid injuries or other mishaps.