You learned it in school:  When the fire alarm rings walk, don’t run to the nearest exit.  The same principles apply to fire drills in the workplace.  There are only a few other grown-up tips that also apply and these are basic courtesies and common sense.

When you first start in a new company, make note of the fire exits and ‘you are here’ maps posted around the building.  Some office buildings like those that house call centers are quite huge and confusing at first.  Familiarizing yourself with the general layout is wise if you are required to go from point A to point B (or even C or D) whether it’s for business or in the event of an emergency evacuation.  Your comfort and efficiency levels will go up with that knowledge and you won’t be seen as the person who is always bothering established coworkers by asking for directions.

How alarms are set off and the procedures to follow vary from place to place.  Most establishments will sound a loud, repeated horn while other places where most everyone is on the phones will have silent, flashing strobe lights to alert you.  Also, make sure you know the proper thing to say on the phone when you are speaking with a client and the alarm sounds.  Most clients are understanding and recognize that you must terminate the call immediately.  Just be polite and do not make light of the situation.  After all, this is disrupting their business, too.  If it follows policy, you may even ask for a callback number and give them a courtesy call later on.

Fire drills are usually rare but commonplace occurrences.  Just remember, though, that they do require some structure and courtesy.  On these occasions, just like when you were in school, your team will most likely be expected to congregate together once outside.  Keep in mind that your supervisor is responsible for your group, so don’t use this off-time opportunity to disappear and make a run to your car or leave company property.  And, yes, everyone jokes about going home but an emergency evacuation drill does not mean you automatically have the rest of the day off!

Finally, most supervisors are lenient about making a quick pit stop at the bathroom on the way back in but it is seriously frowned upon to take advantage of the time for an extra 10 or 15 minutes to have a smoke or go load up on snacks in the break room.  In reality, management sees fire drills as a necessary evil that cuts into the productivity of the workday.  Just stay aware of that fact and you’ll be able to enjoy the unexpected break and ripple of excitement that builds a bit of camaraderie.

© Janet L. Burgar, December 2008