FIRE SAFETY PLAN – VOLUNTEER EXIT ROUTES

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Dear Staff and Volunteers,

 What is happening?

  • The AGO’s Fire Safety Plan has been updated and it is critical that everyone review the following instructions in the event of a fire or emergency. Prevention is key to keeping us all safe.  

 Where is the AGO’s holding area if we are evacuated from the building?

  • In the event of any emergency situation, AGO staff and volunteers should make their way to our official meeting place at the square in front of  the 52 Division Police Station (on Dundas Street West, near University Avenue).

 In addition to reviewing the new plan, what else should I know?

  • Take the time to review the location of your nearest portable fire extinguisher (volunteer lounge)  and nearest fire exit androute:

EXIT PLAN IF YOU ARE ON THE GALLERY LEVEL:

  • Security guard personnel will direct you to the nearest exit

 EIXT PLAN IF YOU ARE IN THE VOLUNTEER LOUNGE:

  • Exit through the volunteer lounge door,
  • Turn right and walk down the hallway of the Kids AGO shop, (towards the cafe)
  • Before making your way to cafe, turn right at your first available opportunity – you will see an illuminated Exit sign guiding you to a door marked “C” (stair p)
  • Walk through this door to exit building

 Please note: a fire exit map is posted on your Health & Safety bulletin board in the volunteer lounge illustrating these instructions

 In addition, here are some quick tips to review if you encounter fire or smoke:

 1.           Leave the fire area immediately. Remove any person in immediate danger.  Make sure that any office doors to the affected area are closed.

 2.           Call the AGO’s emergency line at ext. 333. Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.

 3.           As you leave the building, check all doors before opening them. Using the back of your hand, check the door for heat: 

  1. If the door is hot, leave the door closed and unlocked and use an alternate path to exit.
  2. f the door is not hot, brace yourself against it and open slightly.  If you feel air pressure or hot draft, close the door quickly, leaving it unlocked.  Try an alternate path to an exit.

 4.           If you are unable to use an alternate exit or are trapped:

  1. Return to an office and close the door, leaving it unlocked.
  2. Seal off all openings, which may admit smoke.
  3. Crouch low to the floor if smoke enters the room.
  4. Call the Fire Department at 911 and alert them to your location.
  5. Wait to be rescued. Listen for instructions given by authorized personnel.

 5.           Use the closest exit stairs and/or exterior exit doors to exit.  DO NOT use elevators.  If you encounter fire or smoke in the exit stair, use an alternate exit. 

 6.           Report dangerous conditions. If you have information relating to persons still in the building, report it immediately to Protection Services staff by calling the emergency line        ext. 333 or the Fire Department by calling 911.

 7.           Proceed to the AGO’s designated meeting place at the plaza in front of 52 Division, on Dundas Street West, near University Avenue.

 8.           Do not return to the building until it is declared safe to do so by the Fire Department.

 Thanks,

Michael Mahoney

Executive Director; Corporate Special Projects,

Director of Operations