M E M O R A N D U M

TO: Johns Hopkins Medicine Faculty & Staff

FROM: Edward D. Miller, M.D.

DATE: April 1, 2002

SUBJECT: Emergency Evacuation of JHM Non-Patient Care

Last week an unannounced evacuation drill was conducted in one of our research buildings. Although the majority of the building occupants left in a timely fashion, observers from Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) reported that a significant number of employees had to be coaxed to leave or refused to leave at all.

We are instituting a number of safeguards to improve the safety of our employees but the most efficient means of preserving lives in the event of destructive forces applied to a building is its prompt evacuation. Therefore, the performance observed last week is unacceptable. Building evacuation/fire alarms are to be taken seriously each and every time they sound. All occupants are to leave the building until the alarm has been silenced and/or the all clear sign has been given. In the wake of the events of September 11, we now appreciate that unspeakable acts of terrorism can occur and our ability to quickly evacuate buildings under attack is a non-negotiable requirement of this new reality.

To review, when a fire alarm or building evacuation is activated:

1. Stop what you are doing, secure your workstation and proceed to the nearest exit;
2. The last person out of the room closes the door;
3. Leave the building and stand at least 50 feet away from the building’s perimeter. If you are in a building which is adjacent to another building you may proceed to the adjacent building as long as that building’s alarm is not activated or unless you are directed to do otherwise.

It must not be assumed that an alarm is just a test or false alarm. You are required to evacuate the building immediately upon observation of the alarm or building evacuation notice. If you are in a supervisory role, you are responsible to see that those who work for you understand and follow these directions.

If you have any questions, please contact Health, Safety and Environment at x5-5918.

[Return to Top]