This week’s security tip – know where your exits are.
Let’s hope you never have to evacuate or flee a building due to an emergency situation. But there are other reasons why you may want to know where all the exits are.
Reasons to Know Your Exit Points
- Original entryway blocked – perhaps the door you used to enter the building is now being obstructed by an over crowding of people or objects. A busy lunch rush as a restaurant, or a large delivering into a small shop or office, or perhaps just someone you’d like to avoid being drawn into a conversation with today because you’re running late.
- Original entryway is too far away – if you have been wandering around in an unfamiliar building you may have forgotten where you came in, or need to get outside quickly for a health reason. Or perhaps you’re just at a friends house but the kids have an accident in the backyard. Knowing the closet exit allows you to respond promptly to issues requiring a quick exit.
- Peace of mind – when you are in a unfamiliar space, taking a moment to recognize where the entry and exit points of a building, large outside event, or confusing parking lot will save you a headache later on. When the end of the trip or event comes, you will be tired and possibly stressed. Don’t add to that mess by realizing you’re not sure how to leave efficiently.
Security Reasons to Know Your Exits
While unlikely for most folks, finding yourself in an emergency situation can happen. If you know your exits ahead of time, you are better able to help yourself and others. In an actual crisis, sometimes seconds matter. This is another important part of having good situational awareness.
Whether it’s a building fire, an angry customer or employee out of control, or even an active shooter situation, knowing your exits are critical.
Take some time this week to practice. When you sit down in a restaurant, how many points of exit do you see from your table? (Hint – there’s an extra one through the kitchen) When you enter the post office or grocery store, how would you leave if there was a fire near the front door?
The emergency may never come – but it’s always best to be prepared. Know your exits!
