High Rise Evacuation Plans and Procedures

High Rise Evacuation Plans and Procedures

Before I really get started I should remind you that the Office of Emergency Management for the Region of Durham has put together some excellent material you can either pick up at the Rossland Road Office of Emergency Management Office or download from the following web site:http://www.region.durham.on.ca/departments/demo/AreYouReady.pdf

Please keep a copy of this booklet with you and incorporate it into your Emergency Kit as reference material since the booklet addresses known risks in the Region of Durham.

However having said this I would like to address what you can do to keep you and your family safe should you live in an apartment building. First of all you should have your own individual plan for your family since it should meet the needs of all family members. Next you should make sure your building superintendent is aware of anyone in your family with special needs so he/she can accommodate their needs in the plans for the building. You should never move into an apartment building which can not meet the needs of your individual family members if the building is not equipped with the equipment and plans which address the needs of those challenged. Should you still move into such a building I would recommend a lower floor so  your challenges are minimized by the distance someone may have in assisting you down the stairs should the elevators be inoperable. Special chairs should be stored in the building to lift people down the stairs.

Many high rise buildings have an intercom or radio system which would be used in a disaster. You would be advised to either stay in your apartment or shelter on site. Another method of notifying tenants used in recent years is an auto dialer system. This would be employed by the building manager or Security Company on behalf of the building which would allow them to call everyone at once and give you a message advising you of your instructions on how to address your emergency situation. In order for this system to work it is your responsibility to ensure the right people have the right numbers to call, so if you change your phone number you need to advise the building manager of this right away.

If you are unable to leave your apartment and you see smoke in the hallways or coming under your door, you will need to seal your doors to the best of your ability with tape if possible. If not at least block the smoke from coming in from under the door with a wet towel. You should then move into a smoke free room and seal the door which enters this room. While doing this you should also call 911 and let them know which room you are in and why you are unable to leave your apartment. Going towards a balcony or window would be in your best interest. If you have notified your building manager of your set of circumstances in advance he/she will have a list of tenants to provide to the fire department upon arrival needing assistance to vacate the building.

Another way of looking after yourself would be to incorporate into your plan a buddy system where you would make arrangements with someone on your floor to look after your interests should you need to evacuate your building. Even better would be to have two buddies at opposite ends of the hallways in case the centre of the hallway is blocked or one of your "buddies" is not home when the emergency occurs. Another idea to make your life safer would be to purchase your own evacuation type chair so your buddy does not have to wait for one should there by more than one person per floor in need of this piece of equipment to leave the building. You and your buddies should practice your special needs regarding how you need to be lifted etc. at regular intervals and go over your routes of leaving the building at least twice a year. A copy of the route and method you need to take to leave the building should be posted in your apartment to allow those not familiar with your set of circumstances to have the necessary details to complete your evacuation of the building safely. These would include any special instructions regarding your special needs, such as hearing impaired, sight limitations, mobility issues and special mental health concerns.

The apartment building owners should have evacuation routes posted in all corridors, stairwells and elevators. Meetings with tenants and management should happen at regular intervals to discuss the needs of having a proper plan in place. Regular training and drills will ensure that all occupants leave the apartments safely. Keeping the building managers up to date of your specific changes of circumstances will assist them in modifying their plans to accommodate your needs.

Emergency Planning is everyone's responsibility.

Please send me your comments and questions.