Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
employed. Therefore, the emergency plan must clearly define which
routes will be indicated during which type of emergency and be able to
clearly direct employees toward the route they need to take.
Now we need to discuss how exit routes should be identified to avoid
confusion in a crisis. Virtually everyone has been in a building where the
emergency exit signs are located high up close to the ceiling or are labeled
in a very confusing manner. We can all relate to trying to leave an unfa-
miliar building and spending several frustrating minutes trying to figure
out exactly where the exits are. Remember, this type of confusion only gets
worse during a crisis. We recommend a very simple approach, one that has
been successfully used in Israeli government buildings for many years:
Paint colored lines indicating direction on the walls close to eye level,
in such a way so as not to unduly affect the decor building decor. For
example, say that in a particular section of the building the colors red and
blue are used. The red line will lead personnel toward primary evacuation
point A. The blue line will direct personnel to alternate evacuation point
B. This system is simple and, more important, easy to follow during an
emergency. It also allows personnel to move in the right direction in a
rapid manner. All management needs to do is to direct all employees, vis-
itors, and guests to exit the building using primary route A or alternate
route B
,
which may be done by following the red or blue lines on the walls.
This system has been proven to work well under even the most extreme
conditions.
We've spoken a great deal about the importance of communication
and timely notification to company personnel. How should such notifi-
cation be made? Several effective methods can be used. A fire alarm is one
very common choice. However, this type of alarm conveys only one mes-
sage: Exit immediately. Alerts of this nature can convey no additional
information. However, combining the fire alarm with the simple lighting
system utilizing the same colors used to designate the primary and alter-
nate escape routes may convey more information. For example, if we are
using red and blue to mark the evacuation routes, we also use red and blue
lights in conjunction with the fire alarm to alert personnel of the need to
exit the building and which fire route to use. Telephones also may be used
as a means of notification. The number or length of rings may convey
simple messages. An example of this would be to designate two short rings
on each phone to mean a demonstration is going on outside the building.
A long ring may be used to indicate the fact that the demonstration has
become violent and employees should stand by for further instructions.
