Pre Evacuation Procedures
All occupants shall:
- Familiarize themselves with the location of fire extinguisher and manual fire alarm stations.
- Know the location of the exits.
- Recognize the sound of the fire alarm.
- Know how to activate the fire alarm.
- Know how to notify the fire department.
- Familiarize themselves with the Building Fire Evacuation Procedures.
- Proceed directly to the exit whenever the fire alarm is heard.
Evacuation of Disabled Persons
Please be sure to provide the management office with a list of the names and locations of all persons who would require assistance should it become necessary to evacuate the building. This list should be updated on a regular basis.
General Guidelines
Fire: Discovering Fire, Smelling Smoke
As the emergency situation dictates, pull the nearest fire alarm located in lobbies, stairwells, and suite areas. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIGHT THE FIRE YOURSELF.
Immediately, call Fire Department (911). Tell them:
- What is on fire.
- Type of occupancy – 12-Story Office Building
- Address – 1111 19th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
- Floor number(s) – Where fire is, if known.
- Telephone number – Where you are available.
- Then Stop and Listen to Dispatcher instructions.
After you have spoken with the dispatcher:
- Call the management office number at (202) 457-7945 or Emergency Number at (301) 681-2237, 24 hours per day, seven days a week.
- Listen to instructions given by any member of the building staff.
- When an alarm sounds, all occupants should immediately begin evacuating the building.
- In the event of a false alarm, you will be advised to disregard the alarm.
- Close all doors behind you, especially the door to a burning or smoke-filled room - this will slow the spread of fire. Proceed directly to the stairwell exits - NEVER USE THE ELEVATORS DURING A FIRE EMERGENCY! Smoke could enter the elevator shaft and asphyxiate the occupants. Also, elevators could be “called” to the fire floor by heat of fire activating the call button.
- Go quickly and calmly to the ground floor and exit immediately.
- Assist those requiring help.
- Do not go to the roof unless absolutely necessary.
- In all instances, follow the directions of fire and security personnel.
- Assemble in a designated area away from the building that does not interfere with fire or police personnel or equipment.
- Do not return to the building until instructed to do so by authorities.:
- If your exit route is blocked by smoke:
- Stay calm and stay low to the floor; the air is easier to breathe near the floor. Take short breaths (through nose), until you reach an area of refuge.
- Feel the door that leads from your office to the corridor before opening it. If it is hot or smoke is seeping in, do not open. If you become trapped in your office, keep the door closed, and seal off any cracks around the doors and vents. Use a phone to call the fire department by dialing 911.
- Signal at the window to rescuers. If there is a phone in the room, give the fire department your exact location, even if they are on the scene.
- If door feels cool, open it cautiously. Be braced to slam it shut if hall is full of smoke or if you feel heat pressure against door. If the hall is clear, proceed with the safety/evacuation plan.
The building staff will conduct an annual fire alarm drill to ensure that all personnel are familiar with these procedures. Participation is required by all Tenants.
THESE PROCEDURES ARE IN EFFECT 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK.
Top of page