Life Safety, Preparedness, COVID-19
Socially Distanced Emergency: Life Safety From Afar In the litany of new considerations with physical distancing and the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the more unique on the list is life safety. With many properties still below normal occupancy, the matter of life safety education and evacuation drills presents questions for many commercial real estate professionals. It is to be noted that every jurisdiction is different. The most important first step in developing a physically-distanced evacuation, training or drill is contacting the local fire department or life safety organization about the specific allowances and ordinances in a specific location.
“As we look at the COVID concerns, we are now looking at modifications. Property managers are now giving the exact date and time of drills,” Ryan said. Along with giving times and dates of drills, Ryan is also suggesting virtual training and modified movements during evacuations. Rather than exiting the building or going down stairwells, he suggests making sure all occupants find their stairwell, confirm their awareness of the assembly spot, discuss the plan for any physically limited occupants and return to work.
Making Modifications
While different, Ryan said this version of a drill can still give occupants the education they need to act in case of an emergency.
Physical-distancing guidelines mean that traditional drills that usually included crowded stairwells or assembly areas are no longer as viable. Brock Ryan, owner and life safety consultant with Life Safety Solutions Plus, said that he has worked with local jurisdictions to get approval for certain changes for evacuations and drills.
“When it comes to an actual emergency, make sure your occupants and tenants know that if that fire alarm goes off, and there’s not a scheduled drill- this is an actual emergency and proceed with a full evacuation,” Ryan said.
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Insight • Issue 3, 2020
