Emergency Situation Tips – Security Guide – Steve Schmidt

Advice for dealing with various emergencies.

Be prepared for the unexpected!

Plan in advance how to survive and help others in different emergency situations.
In extreme cases, it’s everyone for themselves! Save yourself first, then help others when it’s safe to do so.
Tell your boss and closest coworkers if you have any life-threatening medical conditions like severe nut allergies, asthma, diabetes, heart problem, etc. Let them know how to help you in a medical emergency.
Know where the fire extinguisher and first aid kit are located in the office.
Know all escape paths from everywhere in the office.
Have the cellphone numbers of your boss and their boss saved in your phone. Also store the cellphone numbers of people who report to you.
Keep important safety items on your key-chain: mini flashlight, whistle, pepper spray, knife and/or something to gouge with.

Move: Don’t freeze in place! Move in unpredictable ways.
Escape: Scatter in every direction. Run far and stay away.
- Bring your cellphone if you can. Leave your other belongings!
- Break your first- or second-floor office window with a desk chair or desktop computer to escape.
- Don’t use the elevator.
- Watch for additional threats as you make your escape.
Attack: Attack the attacker with anything heavy, sharp, hot or toxic that can serve as a weapon.
Hide only as a last resort! Block office doors with desks, hide in the ceiling, etc.
Call 911 as soon as you can. Tell them what’s happening and where.
When you’re safely away: Contact your boss to let them know you’re okay.
- Don’t return to the scene of the incident until directed by your boss.

Don’t endanger yourself by trying to fight anything but the smallest fires.
Sound the alarm for your coworkers: “Fire in the break room! Evacuate!”
Evacuate the building immediately.
- Leave your belongings!
- Don’t use the elevator.
- Activate the building fire alarm on your way out.
- Call 911 as soon as you’re away from danger.
Station people in key places around the building and near the street to direct first responders in. Stay a safe distance from the fire or spill.
Gather outside the fire/police line near the command post or emergency vehicles.
- Notify fire officials if any coworkers are unaccounted for.

Take immediate shelter under your desk.
When the shaking stops, evacuate the office immediately.
Stay in the open, away from possible falling objects.
Stay far away from downed power lines and gas mains.
Do not take shelter in your car unless it’s parked out in the open.
Do not re-enter the building until it has been checked for gas leaks and other hazards.
Listen to a local news-radio station for further instructions.
Be prepared for aftershocks.
Contact your boss before coming to the office after a major quake.

In serious cases, have someone call 911 immediately and stay on the line.
- Take further instructions from the 911 operator.
Station people in key places around the building and near the street to direct first responders in.
- Have someone hold an elevator open in the lobby for emergencies on an upper floor.
When life is at stake, provide first aid in this order:
- Breathing: Clear their airway and provide CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
- Bleeding: Apply direct pressure to prevent major blood loss.
- Breaks: Don’t move anyone who might have broken bones.
- Burns: Cover burns with sterile compresses.
Know the signs of other life-threatening medical issues like heart attacks, strokes, choking, low blood sugar, etc.

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