Emergency - Evacuation Plan

Sec. #6-010

To provide an orderly evacuation from the court facility in the event of an emergency, the following procedures shall be followed.  It is the responsibility of every employee to know their floor evacuation plan.

A.   Notification:

1. In the event a situation does arise requiring that the Courthouse be  evacuated, the following announcement will be made by Court Security via the Public Address System:

“A situation has occurred in the building.  This is an ordered evacuation.  Please proceed to the nearest exit sign and exit the building.”

2. This evacuation notice will be repeated three (3) times. Note: (DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS)

B.   Exit Locations:

1. There are three (3) exit locations from any floor of the court  facility.

   1. Two (2) stairwells are located on the west side of the building  adjacent to the rear elevator lobby.

   2. One (1) stairwell is located at the east side of the building next to the elevator lobby at the southeast corner of the building.

C.   Evacuation Plan:

1. All personnel will exit the building via the nearest stairwell.

2. Court Security, as well as Columbus Police Liaison Officers will be positioned throughout the building to assist in the evacuation. Please follow their instructions.

3. If an evacuation order is issued, all personnel should;

   1. Lock their respective desks, files, and office doors and take their keys with them.

   2. Limit personal belongings to jackets, and hand or shoulder bags.

   3. Direct members of the general public to the nearest stairwell.

   4. Direct handicapped, or other individuals needing assistance, to the elevator lobbies for assistance by emergency personnel.

   5. Please form a single-file evacuation line when leaving your work area and moving down the stairwell.

   6. Remain calm, quiet, and alert.

   7. Use handrails and stay to the right side as you descend the stairwell.

   8. Be prepared to merge with others as you move down the stairwell.

   9. Remain alert for emergency personnel (Police and Fire) who may be using the stairwell to respond to the emergency.

       

D. Meeting/Assembly Areas:

1. Personnel that have exited the building should go directly to the Grange Mutual building Auditorium. (Grange Mutual is located three blocks south of the Courthouse on Sycamore Street, between High and Front Streets).

2. Department supervisors will be responsible for their department’s employees once outside the building.

E.   Special Provisions:

1. Prisoners:

   1. Sheriff Deputies will take charge of any prisoners in the  courtrooms or holding areas and escort them back to jail if possible or escort them out of the building by way of the nearest exit.