How to safely evacuate buildings

There’s a reason why the government and private companies mandate regular fire drills. This is because knowing how to safely and effectively evacuate buildings is necessary for saving lives. According to Martin Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, fire marshals estimate that hundreds of people could die during an emergency if people take too long when evacuating a building.

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Regardless if you’re an employee that spent years working in a building or a guest, it’s important to know where the fire exits are located. Buildings often have multiple fire exits so be sure to take note of each. During an emergency like an earthquake, some exits could be blocked by debris.

If you are always wearing specific footwear at work that makes it difficult to move swiftly like platform shoes or heels, always have a pair of comfortable footwear with you so you can switch when an emergency takes place. And if you have a lot of belongings with you that could slow you or others down, leave them at a safe location like an office drawer.

In the event of an emergency and everyone is requested to evacuate, do not panic. Find the exit nearest you and make your way down in a brisk manner. Do not push or shove people along the way to get ahead.

Once you reach the outside of the building, get some distance between you and the building. Capt. Martin Sanders states that you need to give room for others exiting the building and should always treat the whole of the building as a non-safe zone.

Captain Martin Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, had been deeply involved in biosafety and biosecurity issues both domestic and international. In addition, he has been a member of many research teams and has contributed to several published studies on epidemiology. Visit this page for similar reads.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin Sanders in his spersonal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.

What to do during a powerful earthquake

An earthquake is one of the most unpredictable natural phenomena that occurs almost every day in various degrees of intensity and in different locations around the world. While weaker earthquakes can easily be shrugged off, powerful earthquakes can decimate towns and cities in mere seconds. According to public safety expert Capt. Martin Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, it is important to know what to do during a powerful earthquake. How you react in the first few seconds of the earthquake can determine your survival. Here are actions you must do to ensure your safety during a powerful earthquake.

If you are indoors, quickly go under a table or any other sturdy piece of furniture to shield you from falling debris. Stick to the side closest to the legs of the table instead of the middle. This is because a heavy object could fall on the table and split the table in half. If there aren’t any covers available, drop down and cover your face and head with your arms. Also, remember to quickly move away from windows or any glass fixtures.

Wait until the shaking stops before heading outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people try to exit buildings while the earthquake is still ongoing. Once the shaking stops, use emergency stairs instead of elevators. If you feel that a hallway is unsafe to pass due to loose debris, find an alternate route to the exit.

If you are outside when the earthquake occurs, quickly move away from buildings with windows that may shatter and fall on you. Likewise, distance yourself from nearby power lines or other structures like scaffolding which may buckle. According to Martin Sanders, everyone should know how to properly react during a powerful earthquake. Remember not to panic and keep a level head.

Capt. Martin Sanders, Ph.D., has years of experience in the field of occupational safety and health. He recently obtained a certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. For more reads on public safety, visit this page.
Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department