How an emergency plan can save lives
It’s a proven fact that having an emergency plan can prevent disasters.
Every second counts during an emergency. If you have a clear evacuation plan in place, it is far more likely that everyone on the premises will leave the situation safe and sound. After all, it’s human nature for people to hesitate, panic and make the wrong decision when they see a fire. An emergency plan minimises this chaos, calming us down so we can put out the fire before it spreads out of control. Here are some of the key ways emergency planning can save lives:
Keeping the team together
When people separate into different parts of the building or jump in their cars and drive away, how can you know if people are safe? Evacuation planning ensures all teams remain together after they evacuate, so that everyone is accounted for. Staying together is critical, ensuring you get a realistic head count of who’s safe and who’s in danger. This information can then be passed onto emergency personnel, assisting in the further saving of lives.
Reducing fear and panic
Most of the time, we panic because we don’t know what we’re meant to be doing. Once this panic sets in, we lose our focus and are much more likely to act irrationally. By providing a clear set of guidelines and expectations for individuals, an evacuation plan keeps us focussed on our most important task: getting to safety. It means we’re more likely not only to evacuate, but to put the fire out before it becomes unmanageable.
Promoting practice and training
Did you know less than half of building occupants feel confident in their ability to use a fire extinguisher? This is a troubling statistic that shows how important it is not only to have an emergency response plan, but to ensure your staff understand it. A concise written plan is far easier for people to practice, helping drill in everyone’s roles and responsibilities. It’s crucial that you and your staff are trained and retrained in this plan and the prevention of fires, in line with the unique risks present to your premises.
Prevention is better than a cure
Having no plan, a very old, or a free-form one is a recipe for disorder that will invite people to panic and run amuck. Having adequate fire safety procedures reduces the risk of starting a fire in the first place. When you work to prevent a fire, you take an offensive, as opposed to defensive, position. This will save time, reduce costs and maximise your efficiency as an organisation.
Need some help planning your emergency response plan? Fire Block Plans is here to help you and your team. Our highly-qualified experts will help find a suitable emergency evacuation plan, no matter how unique your requirements may be. Contact us today for more information.