Imagine a scenario that could happen at any YMCA or community organization. A fire caused by an old electrical panel starts in the maintenance room. Soon, smoke fills the building and people are rushing for the exits. The exit from the pool area is blocked by pool toys. An exit from a fitness studio can’t be opened because heavy snow is piled outside of it. The evacuation is slowed as everyone tries to find accessible exits, adding to the chaos and confusion. In those first few minutes, blocked or hard-to-find exits can turn an already stressful situation into one that is much more difficult to manage.
Add emergency exits to routine building checks
At community organizations, emergency exit checks can easily fall to the bottom of a facility’s maintenance list or be forgotten entirely. However, it’s crucial for emergency exits to be accessible immediately. A quick routine check can help staff catch problems before an emergency happens, especially in busy areas where supplies, equipment, or seasonal conditions can create obstructions.
Add the following items to a building walk-through checklist to help keep emergency exits accessible and ready to use:
- Confirm all emergency exits are marked with illuminated exit signs.
- Check that emergency lighting is adequate throughout the building.
- Remove items and debris from emergency exit routes.
- Make sure emergency exit doors open properly and aren’t blocked from the outside.
Review evacuation plans regularly
It’s also a good idea to go over emergency action plans and evacuation plans regularly. Check that floor plans and evacuation routes are current and still accessible. If updates have been made to the building or to programs, different evacuation routes may need to be planned. Organizations should also make sure staff understand where exits are located and what to do if a primary route is blocked. It’s important in an emergency that routes out of the building are clear so everyone can get out safely.
By making emergency exit checks part of regular facility maintenance, organizations can help reduce delays during an emergency and make sure staff and visitors have a clear path to safety when it matters most.
