In the event of a building fire, it’s important for everyone inside to exit the property safely and as quickly as possible. Once out, the person in charge will need to make sure everyone is accounted for. By appointing a fire assembly point, you provide those inside the building with a safe space to gather. In this guide, you can find the key considerations you should consider when deciding on your building’s fire assembly point, helping you find somewhere suitable in an emergency.
To make sure everyone can get to the local point safely, it’s important to make sure that the fire assembly point is not too far away from the building. On the other hand, the meeting point should be far enough away from the property to keep staff and visitors safe from the fire within the building. Consider the overall distance, and whether it is sensible as a fire assembly point.
In an emergency, those inside a building will need to get to the fire assembly point as quickly as possible. Obstructions in pathways, however, can often prevent people from doing so. Common obstructions you may need to consider include commercial bins and local traffic. If there are likely to be obstructions in the way, it’s worth considering whether that’s the right spot for your fire assembly point.
Making sure that everyone on your property can reach your fire assembly point is key. Stairs can be difficult for many people to traverse, so it’s important to ensure that it is accessible to people with disabilities and people who use mobility aids. Make sure that any fire assembly point you settle on is easily accessible for all.
Choosing a well-lit area is important when it comes to finding an appropriate fire assembly point. This makes it easy for those inside the property to find the assembly point safely, even during the night. If you're worried about visibility, consider adding reflective signage or emergency lighting to guide people to the assembly point.
When choosing a fire assembly point, it's important to choose an area that is large enough for the amount of people working within your building to safely gather. Capacity is important, as here you will need to count customers and employees to ensure everyone is accounted for and safe. The assembly point should be large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably, with enough space for people to move around freely.
To help you detect a fire as soon as possible, fire safety equipment is a must. At Ace Fire & Security, we offer fire extinguishers, fire safety signage and more, helping to make sure those on the property are not a risk. We can even offer fire safety training, helping to make sure your staff know what to do in an emergency. Please visit our website to learn more about us and our services. For further information and support, please get in touch with us directly today.