5 Steps for Fire Evacuation Planning

Learn 5 key steps for fire evacuation planning for businesses. Build an emergency action plan that protects people, property, and supports first responders.

Emergency evacuation plans, including fire evacuations plans, are an essential part of operating a business. Emergency action plans are required by OSHA regulations, and are the responsibility of an employer to establish and implement.¹ An effective fire evacuation plan will include the steps and procedures outlined below.

Step 1: Assess Fire Risks and Emergency Scenarios

The first step in creating a fire evacuation plan is to assess fire risks and emergency scenarios. This includes doing a physical walk-through of any properties, and collaborating with local fire departments in order to identify possible risks.

Identify Internal and External Threats

During the assessment process, business owners should determine any internal or external threats that could result in a fire. Any threats that could cause obstacles in the event of a fire and subsequent evacuation should also be identified. This could be poor electrical wiring, overloaded electrical sockets, improper storage of flammable items, essential exit routes that are blocked, or other hazards.¹ Identifying and resolving these issues will help provide a safer, more secure workplace in the event of a fire.

Collaborate with Local Fire Departments for Risk Mapping

Firefighters are experienced with containing fires, evacuating and rescuing individuals, and providing emergency medical aid. Business owners can contact the local fire department, and have members complete a walk-through of the property to familiarize themselves with the building layout and identify any possible hazards.² They can assist in locating any risks that need to be incorporated into a fire evacuation plan.

Step 2:  Establish Evacuation Routes and Assembly Areas

Following the assessment of potential risks and emergencies, the next step is to establish evacuation routes and areas for employees to assemble.

Map Primary and Secondary Escape Routes

Create a map of the property that illustrates primary and secondary escape routes. The map should include floor plans, diagrams, directional arrows, and identifying symbols for exits, assembly areas, and emergency equipment such as first aid kits and fire extinguishers.^1,3 Escape routes should be well lit, clearly marked, appropriately sized to fit the number of employees that will need to evacuate, free of debris or obstructions, and not likely to create additional hazards.³ High-rise buildings will require additional planning, such as having trained personnel for each floor of the building that can assist in the evacuation process.⁴

Designate Safe Assembly Areas

Assembly areas, which may also be known as “areas of refuge,” should be identified both inside and outside of the workplace. These areas should have enough room to accommodate all anticipated employees and visitors. If possible, exterior assembly areas should not be downwind of a structure due to potential smoke and flames. In addition, there should be an established system to confirm that all employees and visitors have safely evacuated and are accounted for.³

Step 3: Equip the Facility for Emergency Response

After creating routes for evacuation and areas for assembly, the following step is to equip any facilities for potential emergency responses. This includes functioning fire detection and suppression equipment and systems, as well as appropriate storage for hazardous chemicals.

Verify Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers are Functional

Make sure smoke alarms and fire alarm systems are in proper working order. If disposable fire extinguishers are installed, it is recommended that they be replaced every 12 years. If utilizing reusable fire extinguishers, they should be refilled every 10 years. Other emergency equipment that needs to be verified and in operable condition includes fire doors, escape ladders, sprinklers, and first aid kits.⁵

Consider Hazards like Gas Leaks or Chemical Storage

Gas lines and other chemicals stored on the property can be additional sources of hazards during a fire. Any hazardous chemicals should have safety information attached and be labeled properly and clearly. Storage requirements must be carefully followed, as improperly stored chemicals can result in chemical fires.⁶ If a gas leak is possible, let first responders know immediately as vapors can ignite during a fire.

Step 4: Create and Distribute a Fire Evacuation Plan Template

Once facilities have been equipped, the next step is creating and distributing the fire evacuation plan template. This includes identifying responsible employees who can act as safety wardens, communication officers, and assistants in the event of a fire emergency.¹

• Safety wardens, or fire wardens, help to guide employees and visitors, and check if any individuals have been left behind. They may be responsible for checking bathrooms, offices, and other areas, as well as making sure fire doors are shut.³
• Communication officers provide employees and first responders with information and updates.
• Assistants help employees that might need additional aid, such as individuals with disabilities.¹

Step 5: Train Staff and Run Regular Fire Drills

The final step in fire evacuation planning is to train staff members and carryout regular fire drills to practice the plan. Training and drilling will help to familiarize employees with evacuation routes, assembly locations, and other points of the plan.¹ Regular drills can also reduce panic in the event of a true emergency, and lessen confusion, leading to safer outcomes. Safety leaders would benefit from meeting quarterly to review evacuation plans, and holding annual or semi-annual drills for the entire organization.⁵