The evacuation operation takes place when it is no longer safe for the occupants to remain inside the building. This situation requires that the occupants head to the exterior of the building, moving away from it and gather at the meeting point.
- When you hear the evacuation alarm or the emergency voice, begin the evacuation.
- Follow the instructions given by the members of the evacuation team.
- Assist the occupants with reduced mobility.
- If you are in a laboratory class, turn off the electrical equipment and close the gas valves, if possible.
- Do not go back.
- If there is smoke, crawl out of the building.
- Do not use the elevators in an emergency.
- Head to the meeting point assigned to the building and do not wander off.
- Inform the members of the evacuation teams about possible missing and injured people.
- Do not return to the interior of the building.
Evacuation of people with reduced mobility, but who are still capable of walking independently, with or without the use of crutches or other technical assistance:
- Offer to help or accompany them.
- Follow the instructions given by the members of the evacuation team.
- It might be wise to wait for a moment so the access to the exterior is less obstructed or crowded with people, thus avoiding shoves and falls.
- Make sure mobility aids (crutches, walkers, etc.) are always within the reach of those who might need it.
- It is most likely that the person will be able to go up and down the stairs without help. However, walk alongside the person to help them in any way, if necessary.
Evacuation of people with reduced mobility in wheelchairs:
- Offer to help or accompany them.
- In case the person cannot leave the building autonomously, accompany them to the nearest stairway enclosure zone or other safety area and ask them to wait for the members of the emergency teams.
- As soon as you leave the building, immediately inform the internal emergency response team on site of where you left that person.
- Do not try to carry the person using the stairs because you might be putting your own safety and that of the other person at risk. This task must be performed by specialised and qualified staff.
Evacuation of visually impaired people:
- Announce your presence by saying your name.
- Inform the person of the nature of the emergency and offer to help them.
- Never grab the arm of the person you are helping. Offer your arm or shoulder as a form of guidance. The person will walk one step behind you, guiding themselves by the movements of your body.
- If you walk through a corridor or a narrow place, put the hand of the person on your back.
- While on your way to the building's exit, inform the person of where you are going, describing where the obstacles lie and the people around you. Remember to mention stairs, doors, narrow corridors, ramps or any other obstacle in your way.
- Do not use words out of context, like "here" and "there". Use simple and specific words, for example, "left", "right", "straight ahead", "two meters away".
- When you are outside the building, explain where you are and ask the person if they need any help. Make sure the person is always accompanied by someone until the state of emergency is lifted, and avoiding leaving them in places they do not know.
- If the person has a dog guide, make sure the animal never leaves its owner.
Evacuation of people with impaired hearing and/or communication problems:
- Try to obtain the person's attention by eye contact. If necessary, touch their arm or shoulder.
- Stand in front of the person and make sure your face is illuminated.
- Speak slowly and clearly, using simple words to facilitate lip reading. Do not shout.
- Use gestures and body language.
- Make sure the person understood the emergency message and what they must do. If necessary, write a short and clear message on a piece of paper, for example, "Fire alarm! Leave through the front door! Wait at the meeting point."
- If you cannot understand what the person said, ask them to repeat it or to write it down
- Give visual instructions to indicate the safest route, pointing out emergency lights/signs.
- If the person is accompanied by a sign language interpreter, always approach the person with impaired hearing.
- Offer to accompany them.
