This evacuation plan outlines procedures for employees and visitors at Somerville City Hall Annex in the event of an emergency such as a fire, severe weather, gas leak, or bomb threat. It identifies Safety Directors on each floor and establishes evacuation routes and locations to meet after exiting. The plan provides guidance on maintaining clear exits, operating fire alarms and extinguishers, assisting disabled individuals, and the roles of Safety Directors in overseeing evacuation.

1. SOMEVILLE CITY HALL ANNEX EVACUATION PLAN
PURPOSE: This Evacuation Plan is designed to inform and direct Somerville City Hall
Annex employees and visitors in the event of a fire or other emergencies.
STATEMENT OF POLICY: An evacuation plan has been established for Somerville’s
City Hall Annex to protect employees and visitors of the building. This plan should be
implemented in case of a fire or other emergency. All employees should be familiar with
and maintain an updated copy of this plan and its procedures in order to respond properly
and efficiently during the event of an emergency situation.
Safety Directors:
First Floor Safety Director:
Paulette Renault-Caragianes
Ext. 4310
Second Floor Safety Director:
Michael Hogan
Ext.
FIRE SAFETY
Maintenance
All fire hazards should be eliminated. Keep all exits, doorways, hallways and stairwells
clear of all obstructions which might impede escape routes. Accumulation of trash or
debris of any type is a hazard and an unsafe condition.
Fire Alarms and Extinguishers
There are four fire alarm pulls and extinguishers in the building. On the first floor, there
are two fire alarm pulls and two extinguishers located in the center of the building; one
on the Northwest wall and another on the Southeast wall. On the second floor, two fire
alarms and two extinguishers are located in the center of the building; one on the
Northwest wall and the other on the Southwest wall.
Fire Evacuation
If the case of a fire in the building follow these instructions:
o If not already activated, pull the fire alarm and call 911
o Always remember to stay CALM during an emergency
o Follow the Safety Directors instructions
o Prepare and evacuate the building by WALKING to the nearest exit
o Close all doors as you leave to help contain the fire
o Check all doors for heat before opening them
o DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR; proceed to the nearest stairwell to exit
the building
o Assist visitors in the building

2. o After exiting the building, proceed across the street to the Winter Hill Community
School’s basketball court on the corner of Thurston Street and Evergreen Street
o Stay clear of the building and remain on the basketball court until you receive
further instructions from the Safety Directors
o Do not re-enter the building until you are instructed that it is safe
Handicapped and special needs personnel
o Arrangements for handicapped and special needs personnel evacuation
assistance will be coordinated by the Safety Director
o Safety Director will keep a confidential list of handicapped and special
needs personnel
Things to keep in mind during a fire
o If you are evacuating a floor that is filled with smoke, stay low to the
ground and use a wet cloth (if available) to cover you mouth and nose
o Portable fire extinguishers are available on the first and second floor to
confine, control, and extinguish a fire. Do not use a fire extinguisher
unless you have been properly trained
OTHER EMERGENCIES
Severe Weather
During a tornado, severe thunderstorm or other severe weather conditions, follow these
steps:
o Upon notification (from the radio, Police, dispatch, etc.) of approaching severe
weather ensure that other employees and visitors in the building are alerted.
o Assist any handicapped or special needs personnel
o Safety Directors should ensure that all department offices are secure before
leaving the area
o Proceed to the stairwell in the back of the building and walk down to the
basement.
o Remain in the basement until further instructions are received by the Safety
Directors
o Do not leave the basement until the “all clear” has been given by the Safety
Directors
Odor of Gas or Gas Leak
If you are informed or suspect odor of gas or a gas leak, follow these steps:
o Dial 911 and provide the following information
o Your name, street address, city, state, and telephone number you can be
reached at
o The location of the odor of the gas or the gas leak
o Any other pertinent information

3. o Inform the building’s Safety Directors
o If the gas odor or leak is confirmed by the Fire Department, the Safety Directors
will be notified immediately
o If an evacuation is ordered, the procedures are the same as a fire evacuation
Bomb Threats
In the event of a bomb threat follow these instructions:
o If you are the person that receives the threat, immediately call 911 and inform the
Safety Directors of the building
o The decision to evacuate the building will be determined by the Safety Directors;
if a decision to evacuate is made, pull the nearest fire alarm pull station and leave
the building
o Evacuation procedures for bomb threats are the same as fire evacuations
o If a suspicious object is found DO NOT touch it, move it, or handle it in any way;
immediately report it to the Safety Directors and security or law enforcement
Safety Directors
Roles and responsibilities of the Safety Directors
o Instruct employees to leave the area immediately
o Insure that all handicapped and special needs personnel and visitors receive
assistance and exit the building safely
o Verify that ALL employees vacated the building
o Check bathrooms, conference rooms, etc. to insure no one is left behind
o Proceed to Winter Hill Community School basketball court
o Verify that ALL employees are accounted for
o Keep all employees in the area until further instructions are received