Annual evacuation drills set for July and Aug.

The Argonne Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will initiate its annual evacuation drill program in July. With the assistance of building area emergency supervisors and building managers, OEM will coordinate with the Argonne Fire Department, Fire Protection Systems, and the Business and Information Services Communications Center to conduct evacuation drills in each occupied building between July 8 and Aug. 30. The participation of all site occupants is crucial as we aim to make the lab a safer work environment for everyone.

According to OEM and the Argonne Fire Department, whenever fire alarms are activated, during a drill or real event, you should close the office door as you evacuate a work area, unless it slows your exit from the building. A fire needs three things to burn:  heat, fuel, and oxygen. Closing the door when exiting can cut off the oxygen and slow the growth of fire.

Did you know?

• A closed door can help slow fire’s spread and keep dangerous smoke away from you.
• A closed door can hold back fire’s heat. In tests, an open-door room reached dangerous temperatures while a closed-door room stayed under 100°F
• Having your door closed makes a 900^oF degree difference in a fire.
• A closed door may minimize damage to items within a room or office.
• Because of the plastics in most modern furniture, carpet, and office items, fire is more toxic and burns much faster than ever before.

Underwriters Laboratory has created a program, “Close Before You Doze,” designed to bring attention to the importance of closing your bedroom door before going to sleep. The simple act of closing your door can buy valuable time to escape during a fire.

If you have questions about fire safety and prevention, contact Bill Sterling, Argonne fire prevention officer, at 630-252-9266.

Contact OEM or your area emergency supervisor if you have questions about evacuation drills. OEM can be reached at 630-252-0372 or emergencymanagement@anl.gov.  Find building-specific Area Emergency Supervisor contact information on Inside Argonne.

References:

• Close Your Door
• Closed Doors Can Save Lives
• Close Your Door! Fires Are Getting Faster, But You Can Get Ahead
• “Close Before You Doze – See the Dramatic Difference a Door Can Make” video