High-rise buildings present unique challenges when it comes to planning for an emergency evacuation. Their height alone means it’s tough to get people out of the building, requiring building managers to create an emergency evacuation plan that effectively uses the building’s safety features.
Creating an emergency evacuation plan involves evaluating the building’s layout, checking the operational status of fire alarms, and making sure that fire suppression systems are in working order. It’s advisable to bring in a third party that offers fire protection services in Lehigh Valley, PA., in order to correct oversights and get an expert opinion on how to create an emergency evacuation plan.
Safety Inspection
A safety inspection is the act of going through the building to check for items that need repair, make sure that signs are working and visible, and that fire department hose connections are accessible. The work starts at the roof, and goes all the way down to the ground floor. It’s an extensive task, but an invaluable one when it comes to saving lives during an emergency.
Roof Check
The work starts at the roof, and involves making sure that doors aren’t blocked, that debris is removed, and anything that needs to stay on the roof is organized and out of the way. Check for flammable items and have them removed. If there are stairs, look for signs of rust and poor condition.
Stairwell Inspection
Go down the stairwells in search of rubbish that’s been left behind, and look for anything that’s flammable. Check the signage to make sure everything is in place, and that lighted signs are in working order. Look at fire extinguisher tags for their last date of inspection, and that doors close properly. In the event a door is equipped with an alarm, test the alarm for proper function.
Check the Standpipes
Standpipes are an important water source for firefighters, and should be equipped with 2.5-inch caps for hose connections. Check the caps to make sure they’re easily loosened, and the threads are in good condition. If there are hoses connected to the standpipes, check the hoses to make sure they’re not dry rotted and the nozzle has a firm connection.
Corridors and Signage
Corridors contain signs that include evacuation maps, lighted and non-lighted signs, and where to find emergency equipment among other items. Create a checklist for all the necessary signs, and use it to inventory the existing signs on each floor. Identify signs that are malfunctioning and have them fixed promptly. Check common access doors and stairway doors to make sure they open and close without issues, and that no one has locked them.
Evaluate the Lobby
The lobby needs to be clear of all obstacles, which means furnishings need to be against the wall and nothing standing in the way of evacuation. Also, have a fire alarm inspection company from South Jersey test the main control panel and make sure that the automated systems work as intended in an emergency situation. Check that exterior doors open properly, and that nothing is blocking the exits.
Exterior Inspection
Go around the exterior of the building to check existing fire department connections, if dumpsters are in the correct position, and no safety hazards are present. If there are safety hazards, correct them as quickly as possible. Look for weeds and vegetation growing around water connections and have them cleared.
How Fire Safety Experts Can Help With Your Planning
At Keystone Fire and Security, we’re fire protection specialists who are ready and able to help you plan your building’s emergency evacuation protocol. Our team of fire safety engineers are capable of examining your high-rise for any deficiencies in the safety systems, making sure that fire extinguishers are in working order, and the fire alarms are functional. Call us today to learn more about our fire protection services.