Evacuation Procedures for the SAVS building

Hello, we are Southend Association of Voluntary Services (SAVS). We are an independent charity known as a council for voluntary service or CVS. That means we provide a range of services to the people of Southend-on-Sea to support and develop the Voluntary, Community, Faith & Social Enterprise or Third sector.

Immediate Actions

• When the fire alarm sounds, everyone must evacuate the building without delay.
• Leave via the designated fire exits.
• Lifts must not be used in any circumstances.
• Ensure all designated fire doors are closed behind you.

Assembly Point
• The official Fire Assembly Point is the public car park in Alexandra Street, next to the SAVS Centre.
• Remain there until the all-clear is given by the Fire Controller.

Roles & Responsibilities

• SAVS Fire Controller:
– Responsible for contacting the fire service and directing evacuation procedures. Once activated, the Alarm would go through to the monitoring company and then the Fire service unless it has been put on test for Fire Drills.

• Fire Marshals:
– Stationed at ground floor exits to ensure safe evacuation. Fire Marshalls will ensure that all rooms, offices, kitchens and toilets are clear.
– Prevent re-entry into the building until it is declared safe.

• Staff, Volunteers and Visitors:
– Registers must be taken to the Assembly Point by the relevant team member or room hirer.

False Alarm Protocol
• If the alarm was triggered in error, the bell will stop ringing.
• To cancel this will also require a call to be made to the monitoring company, quoting the account number and passcode.
• Await instruction from the Fire Controller before returning inside.

Mobility Support
• Those unable to use stairs should move to the Designated Safe Area (fire-protected zones between two fire doors, clearly marked on each floor).
• Carers/staff must immediately inform a Fire Marshal or the Fire Controller of their location. Fire Marshals will carry out a sweep of the building from top to bottom, which would assist in evacuating people from the building.

Re-Entry
• Nobody may return to the building until the Fire Controller confirms it is safe.

FURTHER DETAILS ARE DISPLAYED IN THE CORRIDOR OF EACH FLOOR.