Fire Warden — Evacuation Procedure (Sections 7–11)

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This page covers Fire Warden evacuation procedure (Sections 7–11).

For general Fire Warden duties and pre-event checks (Sections 1–6), see: Fire Warden — General Duties (Sections 1–6).

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Index

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EOP objectives (Fire Warden function during evacuation)

Your job now shifts from normal duties to EOP delivery for your sector:

Move people: confirm people are leaving the affected/designated area and being directed to the correct exits.
Sweep: conduct a quick, systematic sweep (including toilets and dead space) when safe.
Minimise spread: close doors behind you where safe (do not lock), keep fire doors shut, and prevent re-entry.
Assist persons who may need support: identify anyone who may not be able to self-evacuate at crowd pace; assign support and update Control.
Extinguisher decision: only attempt first-aid firefighting if trained, the fire is small/incipient, and you have a safe exit behind you.
Report & account: update Control with sweep status, then report to the assembly point for headcount/sweep confirmation. </aside>
Use clear, calm direction:
- “Please make your way to the nearest exit.”
- “Leave belongings.” (only if necessary)
- “Do not run.”
Priorities:
- keep flow moving
- prevent crush at exits
- stop people re-entering
- direct to assembly point(s)

People rarely behave “perfectly” in a real evacuation. Expect a range of normal reactions and manage them with calm, simple, repeated instructions.

Common reaction	What it looks like	What to do
Indifference / slow compliance	Finishing drinks, filming, “It’s probably nothing”, moving slowly	Give clear direction + urgency: “Evacuate now please—this way.” Repeat and point. Keep flow moving.
Denial / minimising	Arguing, questioning, refusing to believe it’s real	Don’t debate. Use authority + outcome: “This is an evacuation. You must leave now.” Escalate to Control if refusal continues.
Fixation / retrieving belongings	Going back for coats/bags, looking for friends, returning to toilets	Block re-entry where safe, redirect: “Leave belongings—keep moving.” Pair them with a helper if needed.
Panic / heightened anxiety	Crying, shouting, pushing, inability to process instructions	Slow the moment: short commands, calm tone, create space, guide to a less congested route if available.
Herding / crowd surge	Everyone heads to the same familiar exit, bottlenecks	Actively split flow: direct to alternate exits, use staff at choke points, keep doorways clear.
Authority-seeking / uncertainty	“Is this real?” “Where do we go?” waiting for instruction	Be decisive. Point and give one-step instructions: “Exit now—follow me / follow that door.”
People needing support	Mobility/sensory/cognitive barriers; slower pace	Apply Section 8: identify early, assign help, update Control, protect space around them.

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Useful phrases

Only sweep when it is safe (no smoke/heat conditions that compromise you). If unsafe: withdraw and report.
Method: systematic “left-hand / right-hand” sweep so you don’t miss areas.