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Where Should Roll Call Be Carried Out During An Evacuation?

Key Takeaway

Effective evacuation procedures are essential for ensuring the safety of occupants during emergencies, and a critical aspect of these procedures is the roll call. A roll call helps confirm the presence and safety of all individuals evacuated from the building, minimizing confusion and ensuring accountability.

The roll call during an evacuation process should be conducted at a designated assembly point located at a safe distance from the building. This ensures the safety of evacuees while facilitating an organized and efficient accounting of all individuals.

What Is a Roll Call During an Evacuation?

A roll call during an evacuation is a systematic process of accounting for all individuals who have exited a building following an emergency evacuation. It is conducted at a designated assembly point to confirm that everyone is safe and accounted for. This process involves calling out names or identifiers, often using a pre-prepared roll call list or register, to ensure no one is left behind or missing.

Roll calls play a critical role in identifying any individuals who may still be inside the building or in need of assistance, allowing emergency services to act swiftly. Implementing effective roll call systems ensures accountability and enhances the efficiency of the overall evacuation strategy.

Why Is Roll Call Important During an Evacuation?

A roll call during an evacuation is more than just a headcount—it is a critical component of safety protocols. Its primary purpose is to confirm that everyone has safely evacuated the building and identify if anyone is unaccounted for. This information is vital for emergency personnels, as it guides search and rescue operations.

Here are some key reasons why roll call is essential:

  • Accountability
    Roll call ensures that all individuals, including employees, visitors, and contractors, are accounted for. This step provides a clear overview of who has safely exited the building.
  • Emergency Response
    Roll call allows rescue services to know if anyone is still inside the building and may require assistance. Accurate information can significantly speed up rescue operations, especially in the presence of deadly hazards.
  • Compliance
    Conducting roll calls is often a requirement under emergency plans and fire safety regulations. It demonstrates adherence to best practices and helps organizations meet their legal obligations.
  • Calm and Order
    Roll calls provide a structured process during chaotic situations, helping to maintain calmness and minimize panic among evacuees.

Where Should Roll Call Be Conducted During an Evacuation?

Roll call should always be carried out at a designated assembly point, which is a location pre-identified during the evacuation plan process. This ensures an organized and efficient method for accounting for all individuals while maintaining their safety away from potential hazards near the building.

The assembly point must be easily accessible to everyone, including those with mobility challenges, and should have clear signage to avoid confusion. By conducting roll call at a designated assembly point, incident managers and emergency responders can perform their duties without interference, ensuring a seamless evacuation process.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roll Call Assembly Point

Selecting the right assembly point is critical to ensuring the safety and efficiency of evacuation procedures. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting the location for a roll call during an evacuation:

Safe Distance from the Building

The assembly point should be far enough from the building to avoid hazards such as falling debris, smoke, or fire. A minimum distance of 50 meters is generally recommended, though this may vary depending on the building's size and type.

Accessibility

The location should be easily accessible to everyone, including individuals with mobility challenges. Pathways to the assembly point should be clear and unobstructed to ensure a safe route for all.

Visibility and Identification

The assembly point should be clearly marked with visible signage and known to all occupants. This reduces confusion and ensures everyone gathers at the correct location.

Away from Emergency Services

Choose a spot that doesn’t interfere with the work of emergency personnel. Avoid areas near fire hydrants, vehicle access points, or building entrances.

Adequate Space

The assembly point must be large enough to accommodate all building occupants comfortably without crowding.

 

Where Should Roll Call Be Carried Out During An Evacuation?

 

Steps for Conducting Roll Call

Once all occupants have reached the assembly point, the roll call process begins. An efficient roll call ensures that all individuals are accounted for during an evacuation. Follow these steps to conduct it effectively:

1. Gather Everyone at the Assembly Point: Ensure all individuals proceed directly to the designated location without lingering near the building.

2. Assign Responsibility: A designated person, such as a fire warden or competent person, should oversee the roll call. They should have access to an updated list of all occupants, including employees, visitors, and contractors.

3. Use Checklists: Utilize a pre-prepared roll call list, visitors book or attendance log to account for everyone. Digital tools or apps can simplify this process.

4. Identify Missing Persons: Cross-check the list with those present at the assembly point. Note the names of anyone unaccounted for and share this information with emergency services.

5. Communicate with Emergency Services: Provide emergency responders with a detailed report of missing persons and their last known locations, if available.

6. Maintain Order: Keep evacuees calm and informed while waiting for further instructions from authorities.

Tips for Carrying Out Roll Calls Effectively During an Evacuation

Conducting an efficient roll call requires preparation and practice. Here are some tips to ensure effectiveness:

  • Conduct Regular Fire Drills 
    Practice evacuation drills regularly to familiarize occupants with the assembly point and roll call procedures.
  • Have Multiple Assembly Points
    For large buildings or complexes, designate multiple assembly points to avoid overcrowding and confusion.
  • Adapt to Changing Conditions
    If the pre-identified assembly point becomes unsafe during an emergency, have contingency plans for alternate locations.
  • Train Staff
    Provide comprehensive safety training to fire wardens and safety officers to ensure they can manage roll calls and handle crowd control effectively.
  • Use Technology
    Consider using digital attendance systems or apps to streamline the roll call process and reduce human error.

You may also read: How often should a fire evacuation drill take place?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While roll calls are generally straightforward, certain mistakes can reduce their effectiveness during emergencies.

  • Unclear Assembly Points
    Failing to clearly communicate the location of the assembly point can create confusion, causing delays and making it harder to account for everyone.
  • Outdated Attendance Lists
    Using outdated or inaccurate attendance lists can lead to false reporting of missing persons. Regular updates to these records are essential to ensure accountability and accurate reporting during roll calls.
  • Inadequate Training
    A lack of proper training for fire wardens or incident managers can lead to disorganized and inefficient roll calls. Regular training ensures they are equipped to manage the process and maintain order during evacuations.

Avoiding these common mistakes helps ensure roll calls are conducted efficiently, keeping everyone safe and accounted for during emergencies.

You may also read: How often should you check your fire escape route?

Conclusion

Roll call is a vital component of any evacuation plan, ensuring that all occupants are accounted for and safe during emergencies. The designated assembly point should be chosen carefully to prioritize safety, accessibility, and orderliness. By following best practices and leveraging modern tools, organizations can conduct efficient roll calls, reinforce preparedness, and comply with safety regulations.

At Fire Safety Specialists Ltd, we offer expert guidance on evacuation planning, including identifying assembly points and implementing effective roll call procedures. Contact us today to ensure your evacuation plans are comprehensive and your occupants are safe during emergencies.

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