Evacuation in the Case of Blackout (Loss of Electricity)
If a partial or complete loss of electrical power occurs, backup
generators will power certain systems, including life-safety systems and
some elevators for emergency personnel use. Property management will
determine the appropriate response to a loss of power. In general, the
decision regarding the action to be taken in a blackout situation will
depend on the estimated duration of the blackout.
Security will keep building occupants informed by using radios and/or
the voice communication system. If building management has determined
that the blackout will be short-term and no evacuation is necessary,
Security personnel will announce that the blackout is temporary and will
ask that building occupants remain calm and await the restoration of
power. If the blackout is expected to last for an extended period, or
its probable duration cannot be determined, the building manager may
order evacuation of the affected areas.
If evacuation is deemed necessary, security officers will assist building occupants in evacuating the building.
To be successful and avoid panic and confusion, an evacuation in the case of blackout must be an orderly and structured process.
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The evacuation will begin at the top of the building and proceed down to the lowest floor.
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Security officers will be dispatched to the floor to assist with the floor-by-floor evacuation of the building.
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Security will announce the plan to evacuate over the voice
communications system. Evacuation normally takes place one floor at a
time.
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Women should remove high-heeled shoes to make walking easier and less dangerous.
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Personnel should remain calm and quiet, and move to the nearest fire exit. Do not attempt to use elevators.
If an individual on a floor is disabled or cannot walk down the stairs, a
security officer will request that a co-worker stay behind with the
disabled person until another means of evacuation becomes available. The
security officer will inform Security of every person who is stranded
on each floor.
When the security officer has determined that the evacuation of a floor
is complete, he or she will notify Security and will then proceed to the
floor below. The evacuation procedure is repeated for each floor until
the affected floors are completely evacuated.
No one (other than emergency or repair personnel) will be permitted to
enter the building until an all clear is declared and building personnel
are permitted to return.