Correct conduct –during an evacuation

An evacuation is a safety and security measure that can only be triggered by the safety and rescue organisations. An evacuation alarm must always be taken seriously, regardless of whether this is done via automatic announcement or via megaphone by the fire brigade or police. 

An evacuation means that it is no longer safe to remain in a building from the perspective of an operations manager. The following incidents may lead to an evacuation: 

• Fire
• Smoke production
• Disaster (e.g. chemical spill)
• Terrorist threat or criminal activity 

In the event of an evacuation alarm, you are expected to remain vigilant. A hasty escape is not the correct way to conduct yourself here. 

Take a close look at the area you are in. Use your senses!

• Do you see a direct threat to yourself or is your area "clean"?
• Are there any signs of imminent danger?
• Do you notice smoke or any other unusual smells?
• Is it unusually loud or can you hear other unusual noises?
• Is your escape route clear?
• How are other people in your vicinity behaving?
• Open doors carefully, as you do not know what is behind them.

• Always pay attention to your own safety!
• Take note of the loudspeaker announcements or instructions from emergency services.
• Take only the most important items with you (keys, phone, wallet, etc.).
• Lock your computer.
• You should take your jacket during winter months.
• Look in adjacent rooms in your vicinity – such as toilets – and notify any people there.
• Help people who need it (children, seniors, people with impairments).
• Used the marked escape routes until you get outside.
• Look for the assembly point. 

If you are unable to leave the building owing to smoke in the escape corridors, it is safest to remain behind closed doors. Ensure you are noticed via telephone (fire brigade 118 / police 117) or from a window, preferably open. 

• Tell the emergency services about any people left behind and the location you came from. 
• Request medical help if you or a person you helped escape require it. 
• Wait for questions from the emergency services