How to Make an Evacuation Plan

Know your emergency number. Different countries have different emergency numbers, so you should know who to call in an emergency. Common emergency numbers include 911, 112, 110, 119, 999, and 000. For more information, see Call Emergency Services.

Plan out multiple means of escape from the disaster. The second means of escape could be a ground floor window, a side door, or an outdoor patio at home. In the workplace and commercial buildings, this usually takes the form of emergency stairwells with fire doors protecting them. Note that, in most cases, an elevator does not count as an escape route and should not be used except in cases where it may be the only way out of the building.

• Avoid locking emergency exits. Such practice may stop thieves from entering without paying, but it can easily end in disaster in an emergency. At the same time, all emergency exit doors should open outward to prevent stampedes from crushing people. If you need to lock an emergency exit, only do it outside of business hours when there is no one in the building.

Plan for larger-scale disasters. It would be best if you made a plan for common disasters in your area (earthquakes, wildfires, cyclones, tornadoes, etc.). This means making a wider-scale escape plan. Like your home's or building's escape plan, you want to plan alternative routes out of the area. You should also include an emergency kit that you can take with you so that you can survive for a few days.

Draw your plan. Unless you are making a plan for a commercial or industrial building or other building that is subject to building codes, you probably can use whatever symbols you and your family can understand. This plan is for you and your family in the event of an emergency. Start by drawing a rough floorplan of your entire home or building or using a floor plan from when the structure was designed.

• There are certain symbols, though, that is recommended because of their ease of recognition:
  • Dot or star - You are here
  • Solid arrow - primary escape route
  • Dotted arrow - alternate escape routes
  • Arrowhead - exit route/exit
  • Box with X - elevator
  • Box with grid - stairs
  • Fire extinguisher symbol - fire extinguisher
  • Box with capital A - fire alarm

Include a key for the symbols and appropriate information. It is always a good idea to include information like the emergency number, how to evacuate, and other information that would be helpful in an emergency.

Add appropriate signage and emergency lighting when needed. For commercial buildings, it is required that exits are clearly marked with "EXIT" signs. These can either say "EXIT," have a universal pictogram of a running man or both. You may also be required to add appropriate braille plates as well so that anyone can identify the exit.

• Also place signs near elevators, informing occupants to use the stairs.
• The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has recommended using the "running man" pictogram, meaning that it is strongly recommended that this symbol is used in a building. This pictogram consists of a picture of a man in a doorway on a green or red background.