Understanding the 4 Stages of Evacuation

Emergency scenarios are never ideal, but it is always important to prepare for one. The more prepared you are for an emergency, the less likely you are to have reoccurring crises.

If you live or work with someone who has limited mobility, it is essential that all the necessary emergency precautions are put in place for a safe evacuation. With the assistance of an Evacuscape emergency evacuation chair, you can prepare for the worst-case scenario and plan for a smooth emergency evacuation.

One of the best ways to prepare for an emergency evacuation is to be aware of the four stages of evacuation and have the tools to execute all four stages.

There can be many causes of fire within the household or workplace, and it is essential to be aware of all potential threats.

Avoid a Chaotic Evacuation

When not prepared for an emergency evacuation, it will be as chaotic as it is scary. It is essential to always to be aware of your surroundings and any potential risks to your employers or household members and plan accordingly.

A chaotic evacuation will be particularly challenging for those with mobility challenges. A study has shown that people with disabilities are at greater risk of injury or death in the event of a fire.

In most Canadian jurisdictions, building managers must list at-risk individuals in their building, residential or workplace. Then, in the event of an emergency, your building manager will be able to notify and alert proper authorities on anyone who needs extra assistance.

The Four Stages of Evacuation

Whether you are living in a home or apartment or working in a multi-story building, it is important to come up with an evacuation plan in the case of an emergency. You want to keep vulnerable people safe and have little to no risk.

Here are the four stages of evacuations employers and homeowners alike can prepare for in the case of an emergency.

Stage 4: Full Evacuation

Stage four of an evacuation is a full evacuation, meaning that an entire building needs to be evacuated.

Stage 3: Partial Evacuation

A partial evacuation is when everyone on the respective floor needs to evacuate immediately.

Stage 2: Lateral Evacuation

When you’re at stage two of an evacuation, lateral evacuation is needed. This means that people need to move to a safer area, whether it is a different room or otherwise.

Stage 1: Immediate Evacuation

If a stage 1 evacuation is necessary, everyone needs to evacuate the building immediately.

Other Beneficial Evacuation Plans

Knowing and preparing for all four stages of evacuation will allow both employers and homeowners to navigate best and execute a successful evacuation, but that’s not it all. There are other ways to contribute to a safe evacuation, especially if people require additional tools, like an evacuation chair.

Have an Evacuation Chair Handy

The Ontario Human Rights Commission states,” People with disabilities have the right to be provided with equipment, services or devices that will allow them to do their job.”

Whether you need one for your office space or home, our evacuation chair models have optimum safety features and come in two different models. Both are designed and manufactured with safety and reliability in mind. These models ensure ease of operation and comfort while being lightweight and sturdy, perfect for single-operator use.

EC1

• Weight: 12.5kg/27.5 lbs
• Weight capacity: 180 kg/400lbs
• Under-seat light for emergencies
• Speed reducing V belt track
• Lap safety belt and head restraint strap
• Padded seat and solid backrest
• Locking rear-wheel castors

EC2

The EC2 has optimum safety with all of EC1’s features, including some new ones:

• Weight: 14.5kg/32lbs
• Weight capacity: 180kg/400lbs
• Detachable front carry handle
• Failsafe braking system
• 5-point harness and head restraint strap

Both of our models include protective covers, wall brackets and a training DVD. Additionally, they come with a 10-year warranty for the frame and a one-year warranty for all wheels, tracks and braking system components.

Know Your Fire Exits

In a workplace or residential home, it is crucial to know where all of your fire exits are. All file exits should have a cleared pathway to avoid fire hazards or any risks for slips and falls. For homes, your fire exits will most likely be your front and backyard door. For workplaces, fireplaces will always have a lit-up sign above.

Know Your Meet Up Spots

Whether you live in an apartment building or are working in a commercial building, it is crucial to know where your meet-up spots are in case of evacuation. A meet-up spot allows leaders to make a final headcount after an evacuation and gives every resident a destination point to reconvene in the case of an emergency.

Know All Points of Entry

Depending on the type of evacuation, being aware of all entry points can be lifesaving. For example, suppose an intruder enters the premises through the front entrance and blocks the exits. In that case, you need to be mindful of all other potential entrance and exit points to ensure everyone can evacuate safely.

When you’re aware of the possible evacuation points, the stages of evacuation, and how to potentially prevent a hazardous evacuation, you’re one step closer to creating an inclusive environment for all.

Know What Can Lead to an Evacuation

There are many different situations and conditions that may contribute to or lead to an evacuation, including:

• Fires
• Natural disasters
• Road accidents
• Structural failure
• Viral/chemical outbreak
• Military attacks
• Power outages
• Intruders

Have an Emergency Checklist

Whatever the cause, an evacuation checklist becomes essential for cases of life or death. Everyone’s list can look different depending on where they live and what the checklist is for. Some may include:

• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Bottled water
• Phone charger
• Multitool
• Road flairs
• Map

If you have someone who requires physical assistance, consider a walking chair, cane and evacuation chair for your checklist.

Identify Potential Workplace Hazards

It is essential to identify health and safety problems to better understand why the four evacuation stages could occur.

There are five types of health hazards in the workplace:

• Chemical: liquids, gases, pesticides, flammables
• Biological: blood, bacteria, insects, animal waste
• Physical: radiation, UV, extreme temperature,
• Ergonomics: Repetitive strain injuries, lifting, workstations, poor posture
• Psychological: Stress, harassment, bully, violence, flexibility

When everyone involved is aware and alert of potential health hazards, the business owner will prepare accordingly using the four stages of evacuation. At Evacuscape, we want you to be mindful of all potential risks and plan accordingly.

At Evacuscape, we put your safety first.