Working from home: Evaluating emergency evacuation procedures

With much of the nation working from home, employers have a duty of care to ensure their staff are working in safe conditions. Under normal circumstances (ie in the workplace), the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires employers to assess the risk of fire and appoint appropriate measures and procedures to mitigate it – including an emergency evacuation plan. If you’re the named ‘responsible person’, it’s down to you to put in place the right fire safety measures, plan for an emergency and ensure all equipment locations and necessary actions are clearly communicated to staff and the correct training given. However, with most people now working from home, this will need to be adapted and as an employer, you can advise employees of the correct procedures and considerations for fire safety.

Here, we take a look at what that advice would look like.

Raising the alarm 

Alarm systems are designed to warn people of a fire in the building to enable them to safely evacuate. Installing a fire alarm is the first step in protecting life and property but regular fire alarm maintenance and inspections are vital to ensure the unit is fit for purpose in the event of a fire. Ensure all staff have working smoke alarms fitted in their homes. How many they need depends on their particular circumstances. It’s recommended that for maximum protection, one is fitted in every room except the bathroom. However, as a minimum, every home should have one smoke alarm per storey.  Keep an eye on the #TestItTuesday social media campaign. It was developed by fire and rescue services throughout the UK in an attempt to raise awareness of the importance of smoke alarm testing and remind business and homeowners to test theirs weekly. Follow the hashtag for your weekly reminder to push the button. 

Evacuation routes and exits

Of course, prevention is always best but in the unfortunate event of a fire at home, evacuation plans should be detailed and efficient enough so people can easily and quickly remove themselves from any danger. An evacuation plan must demonstrate a clear passageway to all escape routes. Educate your staff on the importance of an escape plan for their home. Although nobody likes to think of it happening in their property, fires can develop and get out of hand quickly – for this reason, it’s wise to ensure all family members within the household are aware of the escape plan and have practiced it.

Tips for creating an escape plan at home

– In the first instance, if it’s accessible, the best route is the usual entrance and exit point of your home. However, an escape plan should always consider a second route for if the first is blocked – this is often the windows.

– Consider a room in which everyone could attempt to take cover – it should have a window and a phone in it.

– Ensure routes and doors are always kept free of obstruction.

– Window and door keys should be left in a safe and easy-to-find place.

– Everyone in the home should know what to do in the event of a fire. It’s worth practicing the escape plan regularly. Make sure children know your address in case they have to phone for help.

Businesses and families are currently navigating unprecedented times and doing the best they can to see them through. However, it’s crucial fire safety cautions and measures are still adhered to – especially now we’re all occupying our homes for 24 hours a day. Below are some free activity downloads to help teach children more around the importance of fire safety as well as a ‘Thankyou’ message for Fire Fighter Key Workers. Would love to see and hear how you get on with these, stay in touch and post them online tagging @CheckFire. (note activity sheets are to be carried out under the supervision of an adult )

Download Activity Sheets

Talk to us if you’d like more suggestions on how to advise your employees about mitigating the risk of fire in the home.