Fire and Evacuation Policy

Author: Leanne Coffman

When to Use

A written fire and evacuation response policy can help prevent a chaotic, confusing or delayed response to an emergency by describing safe and efficient evacuation procedures; conveying important aspects of fire response, such as the location and proper use of fire extinguishers; and establishing the frequency of drills.

The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act (as well as state and local regulations) requires most employers to have a written emergency action plan; post evacuation maps throughout their facilities; and train employees on how to evacuate safely. Some employers are also required to have written fire prevention plan that lists a workplace's fire hazards and methods for mitigating those hazards. This policy is not a substitute for the more detailed, required emergency action plan or fire prevention plan, but employers should consider implementing this policy to provide an overview of the evacuation and fire response procedures set forth in those plans.