Usually evacuation procedures concern a working fire. However there may be other reasons that a building may have to be evacuated. Examples of this may be a bomb threat, a chemical spill in a lab, a police action, a power failure or other situation where it would be in the best interest of the occupants to evacuate.
- Do not use elevators. Remain calm.
- Everyone will listen for a public address announcement to evacuate the building when the fire alarm is sounded.
- Normally, evacuation is ordered by building and by floor to prevent overcrowding in the stairwells.
- Upon activation of the fire alarm and the announcement to evacuate, all occupants will immediately exit the building using the designated exit stairwell and proceed away from the building.
- If it is safe to do so, close windows and doors. Leave lights on and doors unlocked.
- When you evacuate, do not stop for personal belongings or records.
- If there is excessive smoke, crawl to an exit. If you are unable to exit, stay low and plug all openings around doors, windows and vents.
- If you find yourself trapped, dial 212-772-4444 or 911 and give them your location, room number and floor.
- Before entering another room or stairwell, check for heat by placing the back of your hand near the door.
- Fire wardens are familiar with the evacuation procedures and will alert you on their assigned floor to follow their emergency procedures. They will notify the Office of Public Safety of the location of any persons who have not yet evacuated the buildings due to injury or incapacitation.
- Re-entry into the building is not permitted building until the building is determined to be safe by FDNY.