112th Precinct Community Council

Are You Aware of Your Surroundings? Do You Know How to Leave?

Look for the exit

We all may go to the movies, see a show, go to the ball game, or other events. We may love to eat out and go on vacation. We may live in an apartment building. We may work in an office building. We may have children in school. We shop at a supermarket, small store or department store. How many times have you noticed where the emergency exit is at any of these places? Do you always look for it?

Have you ever traveled on an airplane? On a plane the stewardess immediately tells you where the emergency exits are – so that in the event of an emergency you know how to leave. The aviation safety network indicates that all passengers should Know where the nearest emergency exit is and know how to open it in case of emergency.

Do you look for an emergency exit anyplace else? Do you know where the exits are where you live? Have you counted the doors from your apartment to the exit in your building? Do your children know where this exit is located? When you go on vacation do you know where the exit is from your room? Do you notice when you go to a theater the location of the exits. Do you know the shortest route to the emergency door?

EMergency exits

All public places must have exit signs and they are usually red. They are located high on the wall and direct you to an exit. These signs are usually lighted or will glow in the dark. This is so you can find the door even when the room is dark.I never paid any attention to these signs. But now, having taken the NYC OEM Community Emergency Response Team training and having gone to numerous lectures on emergency preparedness, I take the time to look. It only takes a second and you too will see the signs. You should get into this habit.

Planning Ahead Can Save Your Life

On the New York City web site , the FDNY provides the following information:
Planning Ahead Can Save Your LifeThings to know:· The layout of your floor. · The location of all stair exits from your floor. · The number of doors between your apartment and the exit stairs. This is essential knowledge to find the exit in the dark. · Where your apartment key is located. Take the key with you if you are forced to evacuate. · The location of fire alarm boxes (if your building has them.) Things to Do· Keep flashlights ready and in a handy place. · Install and maintain smoke detectors. Owners of high-rise buildings are required by law to install one detector in each apartment, but its maintenance is up to you. · Report fire hazards to your superintendent.· Blocked exits, piled-up trash, missing exit lights and open fire doors are violations of law.· If your superintendent doesn't correct them call the Fire Department (718) 999-2541· and report the condition. Your life may depend on getting the violations corrected. On the Federal government Occupation Safety and Health Administration web site there are the following definitions and requirements for all work places:
An exit route is a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety. An exit route consists of three parts:
§ Exit access - portion of an exit route that leads to an exit.
§ Exit - portion of an exit route that is generally separated from other areas to provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge.
§ Exit discharge - part of the exit route that leads directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside.
An exit route must be permanent. Each exit route must be a permanent part of the workplace.

For each of us, we should always be aware of where we are and how to get out. Just by being aware could help you and your family. Many people will try to leave a location from the door that they entered. This could be a problem in the event of an emergency. You will be better prepared if you are observant. Look for the other exits.
Be Careful! Stay Safe!

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