1. Fire Evacuation Briefing
Hawkwood Baptist Church
Safety and Security Ministry
May 2017

2. Agenda Evacuation Plan Frequently Asked Questions
Special Mention - Fire Doors
Implementation Plan
Feedback to Keith… (see Directory)

4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q - Should I try and put out a fire?
A - No person should attempt to put out a fire unless they are competent to use a fire extinguisher and won't put their own safety at risk.
Q - Do I need to call after I pull the fire alarm?
A - There is no need to call Our 24-7 fire alarm monitoring service will immediately call the Fire Department if the fire alarm system is activated. Nevertheless it won’t hurt to call too.
Q - What does it mean to 'muster'?
A - The 'muster area' is where everybody will gather out of the way of firefighters, check that church occupants have safely left the building and reunite as families if applicable.
Q - What if I have a child in nursery, Sunday School, etc? Can I go get them and then exit the building?
A - We request that building occupants exit the church at the nearest exit. Ministry leaders and volunteers will guide/carry the children out of the building to the muster area.

5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q - May I get in my vehicle and drive away?
A - We request that people first muster and not drive away so we can check that all got out of the building safely. Once the muster is complete, those people parked on the street and in the upper parking lot may leave if they wish (use north driveway only). Vehicles in the lower parking lot must remain parked so that they won't obstruct fire trucks (but persons could wait in their vehicle if safe to do so and leave when the all-clear is given).
Q - Why don't we muster in the lower parking lot?
A - Firefighters will access the building from the lower parking lot therefore we can't obstruct their access to the building.
Q - I see that we muster in the upper parking lot(s)... what if I can't do stairs or the stairs are congested with people?
A - Building occupants should take the safest, quickest route to the muster area. If that route is via the lower parking lot because of mobility impairment or congestion on the exterior stairs, please keep to the right/east side of the lower parking lot as you walk to the muster area.

6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q - Are all the exits available in winter?
A - Snow is cleared at all building exits after every snowfall.
Q - What are the recommended duties during a fire alarm and evacuation?
Ushers - The ushers will open all of the doors at the rear of the Sanctuary. They will assist anyone with a disability in the sanctuary to the nearest exit and ensure folks continue proceeding to the muster area.
Children’s Ministry Teachers and Nursery Volunteers - Exit the building using the closest doors. Lead the children outside to the muster area taking the attendance sheet with you to verify the head count. Report the information to the Senior Pastor.
Everyone - Remain calm and assist others (e.g. mobility impaired, children) as required to the nearest exit then the muster area. Do not take the time to retrieve your coat or other belongings along the way… exit as soon as possible and leave those items behind.

7. Special Mention - Fire Doors
A fire door is a door with a fire-resistance rating used as part of a passive fire protection system to reduce the spread of fire and smoke between separate compartments the church and to enable safe egress.
Fire doors are sometimes rendered unable to provide its listed fire resistance by ignorance of the intended use. For example, fire doors are sometimes blocked open.
HBC fire doors are designed to be kept closed at all times.
If you need to temporarily block a fire door in the open position, e.g. moving furniture up/down stairs, immediately remove the door stop when the task is complete.

8. Implementation Plan
Evacuation Plans will be posted in the foyer, sanctuary, and all meeting rooms, Sunday school rooms, etc where groups assemble.
A “Muster Area” sign will be installed in the upper parking lot area
“Fire Door – Keep Closed” signs are being installed.
The FAQ sheet is available at the Info Desk
A Fire Drill will be considered in the future in cooperation with the Fire Dept.
Feedback to Keith… (see Directory)