Evacuation plans are essential for your small business to protect staff, customers and visitors. Consider seven factors as you plan your evacuations so everyone can exit safely and with as little disruption as possible.
For additional guidance on building a workplace evacuation program, see Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan.
Evacuation checklist
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List conditions that may force an evacuation. Weather, fire, terrorism, toxic material release, workplace violence, civil disturbances and other hazards may require evacuation. When you list potential conditions, you can tailor responses — for example, staying indoors during a civil disturbance vs. exiting the building during a fire.
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Create a clear chain of command. Avoid confusion by assigning wardens and a single person in charge of the evacuation. A common guideline is one warden per 20 people, with a designated lead who makes the evacuation call and reports to the onsite emergency coordinator.
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Post specific evacuation procedures. Every employee should know how to evacuate from anywhere in the building. Floor diagrams should show exit routes, emergency equipment locations and the assembly point. Exits must be clearly marked, well lit, wide enough to accommodate employees and kept unobstructed.
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Plan for visitors. If customers or clients visit your building, assign staff members to assist them during an emergency. Ensure visitors with disabilities or special needs can exit safely and have appropriate assistance identified in advance.
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Designate the last employees out. Department wardens typically shut down critical operations, know how to turn off utilities, check workspaces and bathrooms, and close fire doors after confirming everyone has left.
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Account for employees. Designate indoor and outdoor assembly areas with adequate space and a process to take a head count. Accurate accounting helps emergency responders and verifies everyone evacuated safely.
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Comply with OSHA emergency standards. Review your evacuation plan regularly to ensure it meets applicable standards and adapts as your business grows or changes.
Safety comes first in your small business, and a clear evacuation plan helps employees and visitors stay safe and reduce damage. For related planning and continuity topics, review Emergency Medical Evacuation Plans and Event Planning and Business Continuity.
If you want help implementing these steps, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should we review our evacuation plan?
Review your plan at least annually and whenever you change building layout, occupancy, or operations to ensure procedures remain accurate and effective.
Who should be responsible for visitor assistance during evacuations?
Assign a staff member in each department to assist visitors and ensure those roles are communicated and trained regularly.
What records should wardens keep during an evacuation?
Wardens should track who was present, report missing persons immediately, and note actions taken, such as utility shutdowns or areas checked.
Do evacuation procedures need to account for people with disabilities?
Yes, plans must identify and provide appropriate assistance or equipment so people with mobility, hearing or vision impairments can evacuate safely.