The Fire Action Notice

• Simple, clear and concise
• Action to take on discovering a fire
• Action to take on hearing the alarm
• Location of Assembly Point
• Separate instructions for certain groups/individuals

You should find copies of the Fire Action Notice strategically placed around the building, preferably adjacent to the fire alarm points (though possibly in other locations too, such as the staff notice board or, in Hotels, B&B's and Guest Houses, on the back of bedroom doors).

The fire routine it describes should be simple and clear. It should say what to do if you hear the fire alarm sounding, or if you discover a fire. Read it from time to time to make sure you understand it, and that you agree with what you are asked to do. Sometimes Fire Action Notices are found to be hopelessly out of date because nobody bothered to check them when changes were made to the building or its surroundings.

The notice should clearly indicate the correct Assembly Point for people evacuating the building - incorporating a floor plan if there is likely to be any difficulty in finding the place.

The Fire Action Notice should form the basis for every evacuation drill: use the drill to test out the procedure, and discuss it with other staff in the de-brief or training session that should follow.

Fire Action

If you discover a fire:

• Operate the alarm using the nearest break glass call point
• Consider fighting the fire, only if you have been trained and if it is safe to do so
• Leave the building by the nearest exit and report to the assembly point

If you hear the fire alarm...

• Leave the building by the nearest exit and report to the assembly point
• Do not stop to collect belongings
• Do not use the lifts

Assembly Point located at...

• Supermarket car park opposite front entrance of this building