Drill of the Week: Emergency Evacuation Procedures

By Forest Reeder

The need for an emergency evacuation signal exists to warn crews operating in hazard zones of an impending emergency. A contingency must be in place in the event that an operational area needs to be evacuated quickly and without hesitation. This signal means that all operations are to be stopped and companies are to retreat to a safe area. Accountability after this event is mandatory and crew integrity always kept in check.

Discuss conditions that would signal the need for emergency evacuation and how this order is carried out. Procedures should exist for all types of emergency scenes, including hazmat and technical rescues.

Download this drill as a pdf HERE.

Forest Reeder began his fire service career in 1979. He currently serves as Battalion Chief / Director of Training & Safety with the Pleasantview Fire Protection District (www.plvw.org) and is the Director of Training for Southwest United Fire Districts (www.sufd.org). In these capacities, he is responsible for the design, implementation and coordination of in-service training activities as well as a full-service fire training academy program. Forest holds numerous Illinois fire service certifications and holds a Masters Degree in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University.

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