Purpose

Evacuation in ECOS describes how evacuation is commanded, coordinated, and delivered during live operations.

Site-specific evacuation routes, assembly points, and roles are defined in the Operation Order (and venue fire plan where applicable).

Principles

• Life safety first.
• Use plain language (avoid coded terms for evacuation).
• Maintain command control: FOB/Silver coordinates; zones deliver.
• Keep flow moving and prevent exit pinch points (crowd risk can increase during evacuation).
• Account and report: sweep status, persons requiring support, hazards, and access for emergency services.

Triggers (generic)

Evacuation may be initiated when:

• Fire/smoke/heat present or suspected
• Structural instability / gas leak / hazardous materials
• Loss of containment creating life risk (crowd crush indicators, uncontrolled movement)
• Police/Fire command directs evacuation
• The Incident Controller determines evacuation is the safest option

Command method (how it’s run)

1. Decision + authority
   • Confirm who is initiating evacuation (Gold/Silver/Incident Controller per Op Order).
2. Broadcast the instruction
   • Clear message: EVACUATE NOW + direction (“use exits A/B”) + do-not-do (“do not run / leave belongings if required”).
3. Open exits + manage flow
   • Staff exits and pinch points; split flow; keep doorways clear.