You never expect a fire to break out in your office building. However, being prepared and knowing what to do can make all the difference. Fires can escalate rapidly, posing serious risks to everyone inside the building. That’s why it’s crucial to be prepared and proactive in your response.

Fires can spread quickly, engulfing entire floors within minutes. By acting promptly, you contribute to ensuring the safety of both yourself and your colleagues. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to take if your office building suddenly catches fire.

Assess the Situation Immediately

It’s important for you to carefully assess the situation as failing to do so could lead to massive loss to both property and lives. A study published in Frontiers Media revealed that the effects of fire in office buildings can be devastating in various ways.

Fires can cause severe damage to property, crucial assets, documents, and data. Due to this loss, organizations often lose valuable productive time, thereby leading to significant financial losses. Moreover, fires can also have adverse effects on employees, firefighters, and the public because of the injuries and fatalities associated with such incidents.

To avoid these repercussions, look around to assess the situation, noting the location and size of the fire. Check for any obstructions or hazards that may impede your evacuation route. Keep an eye out for exits and emergency equipment like fire extinguishers.

Don’t underestimate the importance of this initial step in ensuring your safety and that of others. Every second counts in a fire emergency. Take a moment to gather your thoughts and calmly evaluate the situation before proceeding with your evacuation plan.

Evacuate Safely and Quickly

When evacuating during a fire, prioritize your safety and move quickly toward the nearest exit. Ensure that everyone in your vicinity is aware of the evacuation order and follows the established evacuation routes. If you encounter obstacles, find an alternative exit and continue moving toward safety.

One of the most common inquiries during fire emergencies is whether elevators can be utilized for evacuation. According to the National Fire Protection Association, following the 9/11 attacks, guidelines regarding elevator use during fires evolved. While compliant elevators may aid evacuation, they’re not mandatory.

Elevators used for egress aren’t counted as means of egress nor in capacity calculations. Specific requirements, such as marking, alarms, sprinklers, and communication systems, must be met for evacuation. These standards are detailed in section 7.14 of the Life Safety Code©.

Utilize the Correct Fire Extinguisher

Each fire extinguisher is designed to tackle specific classes of fires, such as Class A, B, or C. By understanding the type of fire you’re dealing with, you can choose the right extinguisher to maximize its effectiveness.

Improper use of fire extinguishers is a common problem during emergencies. Many people are unfamiliar with the proper operation of extinguishers or choose the wrong type for the fire at hand.

Today, the market is rife with products, which are capable of causing significant harm. One such product is AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam), which has recently come under criticism.

According to TorHoerman Law, AFFF firefighting foam contains PFAS chemicals, which have damaging effects on human health. Exposure to PFAS-containing firefighting foam is linked with various chronic conditions like cancer, increased cholesterol levels, and pre-eclampsia in pregnant women.

These conditions have caused victims to experience financial and emotional hardships. To address the situation, victims are collaborating with lawyers to file a firefighter foam lawsuit. These legal actions will help such individuals to receive rightful compensation and protect others from experiencing adverse health conditions.

Alert Emergency Services Promptly

Upon discovering a fire in your office building, immediately alert emergency services. Remember, every second counts in a fire emergency, so don’t hesitate to make the call.

While waiting for firefighters to arrive, focus on evacuating the building safely. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself unless you’ve been trained to do so and it’s safe to proceed. Your priority should be getting yourself and others out of harm’s way and allowing the professionals to handle the situation.

The need to alert emergency services is crucial during fire incidents. Moreover, there is a necessity to work in tandem with firefighters to tackle the situation effectively. Sadly, the statistics are sobering, making coordinated efforts more valuable. According to the National Safety Council, there were 1,504,500 fires in 2022, which caused 3,790 fatalities and 13,250 injuries. Plus, these fires were also responsible for the death of 96 on-duty firefighters.

Identify Exit Routes and Safe Assembly Points

When a fire breaks out, swiftly identify available exit routes. Scan the surroundings for marked emergency exits and stairwells to evacuate safely. Clear pathways of any obstacles or debris to ensure smooth evacuation. Familiarize yourself and your colleagues with these exit routes during routine office drills.

After exiting, gather at a specified safe location distant from the building. This ensures responsibility and enables checking for everyone’s safe evacuation. Remain at the assembly point until emergency personnel provide further instructions or declare the area safe to re-enter.

Stay Calm and Follow Established Emergency Procedures

Maintaining composure during a fire emergency is paramount to ensure safety for yourself and others. Follow established emergency procedures meticulously to navigate the situation effectively. These procedures are designed to streamline evacuation and minimize panic.

Clear communication and adherence to protocols can prevent chaos and facilitate a swift and orderly evacuation process. Remember to stay calm and focused on executing the necessary steps outlined in your office’s emergency plan. By doing so, you contribute to a safer environment for everyone involved.

In the event of a fire, rely on your training and the guidance provided by your workplace’s emergency response team. Trust in the procedures in place and act decisively to evacuate the building and seek assistance from emergency services. Your cooperation and calm demeanor are invaluable during such critical moments.

In conclusion, preparation and knowing fire protocols are vital for office safety. By following the key steps outlined in this guide, you can help mitigate risks and protect lives. With proper preparation and swift action, you can help minimize the impact of a fire emergency in your office building.

Published by: Martin De Juan