Article
Know Your Evacuation Plan
It could happen at any time – an alarm sound to evacuate the building. The thoughts run through your mind. Is this real or is it a practice evacuation? Should I finish this email or do I leave now? Where should I go? Do I go out to Orr Plaza? These were a few of the thoughts that many had during the recent Indiana Government Center evacuation drill, May 6, 2015.
Had this been a real event, people could have been in the way of firefighters and equipment. This is the reason we have an Emergency Action Plan with designated evacuation zones.
There are three steps to remember in an evacuation:
- Get out
- Assemble
- Check in with supervisor
1. Get Out
Stop what you are doing and immediately leave the building in a safe manner. Remember to use the stairs. Elevators and escalators are not to be used. Employees and visitors who are not physically able to descend a stairwell should go to the elevator lobby and wait for emergency response. It is important to make sure a “buddy” or floor safety warden is aware that assistance is needed so they can inform responders to obtain needed assistance with evacuation.
While evacuating, please do not use mobile devices. This could cause a safety hazard and slow down the evacuation process.
2. Assemble
All facilities should have a designated evacuation zone, where every physically able person should go to assemble. For the Indiana Government Center, it would be the North-East Quadrant (corner nearest to New York Street and West Street) of Military Park. If you work at one of the agency’s field offices, ask the office manager where the designated assembly point is located. It is recommended that the meeting area be at least 300 feet away from the building.
For the Indiana Government Center Campus: When going to the evacuation zone, DO NOT cross over West Street. This is a safety hazard because of traffic and the possibility that emergency crews would be responding. Everyone should walk on the east side of West Street down to the bridge, cross the bridge, and then take the stairway leading down to the canal. Once down on the canal, turn right and go under West Street and then back up the stairs to Military Park. Those who are not physically able to evacuate to Military Park should go to the south side lawn of the State House.
3. Check In With Supervisor
Everyone needs to be accounted for in an evacuation. Once you arrive at the evacuation spot, you should check in with your supervisor or the assigned manager on site.
Once the building is cleared for re-entry by the first responders, facility management or office management will be notified and they will inform the contact person at the evacuation point of the “all clear” to return to the buildings. For the Indiana Government Center campus, the person releasing staff will be a facilities management staff member with a green badge and a two-way radio.
When returning to your building, follow the same path as indicated above.
Safety Notification
We are working to set up a security and safety notification process using GovDelivery. Visit the FSSA Safety and Security page on The Hub for information on floor wardens, Emergency Action Plans for the Government Center and field offices, emergency contact information, and much more.