Evacuating safely from your Condo

High-rise structures pose particular design challenges for structural and geotechnical engineers, particularly if situated in a seismically active region or if the underlying soils have geotechnical risk factors such as high compressibility or bay mud. They also pose serious challenges to firefighters during emergencies in high-rise structures. New and old building design, building systems like the building standpipe system, HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning), fire sprinkler system and other things like stairwell and elevator evacuations pose significant problems.

If local authorities ask you to leave your home, they have a good reason to make this request and you should heed their advice immediately. Listen to your radio or television and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.

Practice your home evacuation plan with family members at least once a year.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes so you can be protected as much as possible.
• Take your emergency kit and cellular telephone if you have one. Take small valuables and papers but travel light.
• Lock your home and don’t forget your key.
• Go to the designated meeting place in your family plan.
• Use travel routes specified by local authorities. Don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be dangerous or impassable.
• If you go to an evacuation centre, sign in with the registration desk so you can be contacted or reunited with your family and loved ones.
• Get in touch with your out-of-area emergency contact person (identified in your emergency plan) to let them know what has happened, that you are OK and how to contact you. Alert them to any separated family members.
• Listen to local or provincial/territorial authorities for the most accurate information about what is happening in your area. Staying tuned to local radio and television and following their instructions is your safest choice.

If you have time:

• Take your pets with you. They may not be permitted in public shelters, so follow your plan to go to a friend's home or "pet-friendly" hotel.
• Leave a note saying where you are going. Register at any local registration and inquiry centre so you can be contacted when it is safe to return home.
• If instructed to do so, shut off water, electricity and gas before leaving. Keep in mind that if you turn off the gas, a qualified technician must turn it back on when you return home. In a disaster, this might take some time.

Here are some further articles you may want to examine:

Highrise evacuation: a questionable concept : After reviewing a number of tragic fires, it is argued that for occupants, the compartment of fire origin as well as all corridors and stairwells are the most dangerous places to be during a fire. In North America, the evacuation procedure for most highrise buildings requires that upon hearing the fire alarm signal, occupants should evacuate the building by the closest exit. This evacuation approach is challenged. Instead, the non-evacuation or irstay-in-placel. procedure is proposed as the most appropriate behaviour during highrise building fires for highrise residential, hotel, and dormitory buildings.

Costal Storm High-Rise Evacuations:

IF YOU LIVE IN A HIGH-RISE BUILDING LOCATED IN AN EVACUATION ZONE, heed all storm warnings and evacuation orders.

IF YOU LIVE IN A HIGH-RISE BUILDING THAT IS OUTSIDE EVACUATION ZONE BOUNDARIES:

On or below the 10^th floor:

• Close and lock all windows and securely cover them to reduce damage and injury caused by flying debris.

Above the 10^th floor:

• Be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10^th floor.
• If you have a balcony or rooftop, remove all items that cannot be securely tied down.

Read OSHA's tips for Evacuating High-Rise Buildings