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Fire Evacuation

  • If a fire alarm sounds on your floor, STAY CALM. Proceed immediately to the nearest emergency stairwell marked with an “EXIT” sign.  Walk down the right side of the stairwell and use the handrails to decend to the first floor and EXIT THE BUILDING THOUGH THE LOBBY DOORS OR DIRECTLY OUT ONTO THE STREET (stairwell exit location depends on which stairwell you are in).  It is important to stay to the right side of the stairwell as emergency personell will use the inside of the stairwell.  Evacuate to a point as far as the building is tall or to your employers designated location. Do NOT evacuate to the Parking Garage.

  • All Fire Wardens will assume their duties in assisting stragglers, handicapped or disabled individuals to emergency stairwells and report the all clear of their floor/office to Property Management personnel as soon as possible. 

  • High heel shoes should be removed and carried while descending the stairwell in order to avoid tripping.

  • If the stairwell is blocked by fire or smoke, DO NOT ENTER.  Proceed to the opposite stairwell and exit in an orderly fashion. If all stairwells are blocked by fire or smoke, return to your suite and proceed as follows:

    1. Close the door.

    2. Call the Fire Department and notify them of your location.

    3. Place wet towels, clothing, etc. around the door.

    4. Place a wet towel or cloth over your mouth and nose.

    5. Stay low, below the level of any smoke.

    6. Do not break out windows unless it is a last resort.  Falling glass is dangerous to the people below and may allow smoke to enter your suite.

  • DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS for evacuation. All elevators will automatically recall to the first floor once the fire alarm begins to sound. If you happen to be in the elevator do not panic. It will take you to the first floor where you will proceed to the nearest exit.

  • As you exit the building, check for fire before opening doors by placing the back of your hand on the door to feel for heat.  If it is hot, do not open the door.  If it is cool, open slowly and stay behind the door until you are sure the area is safe. Be sure to close ALL doors behind you to prevent the fire/smoke from spreading.

  • Once you are out of the building, go to the designated area as indicated by your employers evacuation plan. All Fire Wardens will then report to a member of Property Management that will be stationed at the entrance to The Arcade on 5th Avenue. They will report the All Clear for their suite and return to their employers designated location.  During a fire drill members of Property Management will not be at this location. Please proceed to your emplyers designated location. To protect yourself from falling debris your designated area should be as far away from the building as the building is tall.  Emergency vehicles and personnel must have clear passage to the building so please stay off of the streets. 

  • Under no circumstances should you re-enter the building until the Senior Fire Official on the scene has ordered the fire alarm reset and announces the all clear.

NOTE: During an evacuation, the following rules must be observed:

  • Keep talking to a minimum
  • Walk in an orderly fashion to the nearest exit
  • Keep to the right while descending the stairwell and use handrails when maneuvering down as firefighters will use the inside of the stairwell
  • Do not use elevators