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There's no substitute for good organization when faced with a catastrophe. It saves lives. Senior safety and risk managers looking for a model around which to organize safety personnel should consider assigning the following responsibilities:

Safety Director

Floor Wardens and Deputy Floor Wardens

They are in charge of floor plans and occupancy.

Building Evacuation Supervisor

They are to be looked to for the building evacuation and drills. They keep command stations and emergency units up to date on conditions.

Fire or Response Brigade

This team notifies fire department or other emergency agencies and takes immediate steps after emergency is discovered.

Occupants

Emergency instructions should be distributed to tenants and employees.

For veterans of the safety industry, practice makes perfect, at least in the majority of cases. Here are steps they can take to prepare:

Evacuation Drills

Plan and conduct according to the fire code.

Signs

Marked pathways for egress in case of an emergency. Some considerations include illumination, signs near elevators, floor plans, stairway and elevator identification, and staircase re-entry.

Emergency Prevention and Protection Program

Considerations include formal inspections, exit facilities, fire extinguishers, housekeeping, egress obstructions and signage.

March 1, 2007

Copyright 2007© LRP Publications