Emergency procedures are steps used to follow in time of trouble or danger.  A fire, storm or robbery in progress is examples of emergencies you might face at work.  Learn emergency procedures as soon as you begin a new job.  If your office does not have established procedures, do what you can to help initiate practices such as those described in the following paragraphs:

 Emergency telephone number

Telephone numbers to call in times of emergency should be posted beside each telephone.  The most important ones are those of the company medical and security personnel.  Numbers for the local police, fire department and paramedics should be included in the list.  If your area has a general emergency number, include it as well.  Emergency numbers may also be stored in each telephone’s memory.  The memory feature saves valuable time.  You press only one or two buttons and the number is automatically dialled.

First aid procedures

First aid kits should be located conveniently within the office.  They should be inspected frequently and restocked whenever supplies are used from the kit.  Some firms will send an employee from each floor or work group for first aid training and/or CPR classes.  These courses are given periodically by the Red Cross and other private organisations.  Each employee should know who has completed first aid training and who is qualified to help in the critical first minutes of an emergency.  First aid posters can be placed where they can easily be seen to further assist employees.

Fires

Some companies prohibit the use of appliances, such as cup warmers and space heaters because of their potential fire hazard.  If appliances are allowed in your offices, always unplug them when they are not in use and before leaving the office.  Know the location of the nearest fire exit, fire alarm box and fire extinguisher.  Large office buildings generally have the fire alarm boxes and fire extinguishers in the same location patterns on each floor.  Learn how to use the fire extinguisher and what type of fire it is intended to put out.  Never attempt to fight a fire along.  Always have someone report it to the proper channels.

Building evacuation plans

Learn the established escape routes and evacuation procedures for your building.  Emergency exit routes should be posted in noticeable places throughout the building.  Employees should know their duties during a fire drill or evacuation.  Who, for example, is responsible for checking conference rooms, restaurants and other areas where the alarm may not be heard?