IMS 104.3.4- Evacuate

Emergency Incident Communication

• At an emergency incident, any communication related to evacuating a structure must be transmitted via radio using the word "EVACUATE".
• The term "EVACUATE" indicates to all Toronto Fire Services personnel to immediately remove themselves from the affected area.

Initiating an Evacuate

• The IC (Incident Commander) is responsible for initiating and transmitting an EVACUATE order, but all TFS personnel involved in the incident can initiate an EVACUATE, including communications personnel.
• An EVACUATE order must be given when the need to evacuate is immediate, such as in cases of imminent collapse or rapidly changing fire conditions.
• The initial transmission for an EVACUATE order must be repeated three times, followed by information for the firefighting crews and Incident Command.

Evacuation Procedure

• Upon receiving an EVACUATE order or hearing the Air Horn Evacuation Signal, personnel in the evacuation area must:
  • Cease operations immediately
  • Evacuate to a safe area
  • Withdraw or exit via the entry control point and/or sector officer
  • Answer a PAR or partial PAR
• If crews evacuate the area at a point other than where they entered, they must ensure their exit and PAR status have been confirmed with Entry Control.

Crew Duties and Responsibilities

• Personnel must evacuate the area immediately upon receiving an EVACUATE order or hearing the Air Horn Evacuation Signal.

Command Duties and Responsibilities

• When an EVACUATE is called, Command is responsible for:
  • Ensuring that all EVACUATE messages are acknowledged
  • Ensuring that the appropriate actions are carried out without delay
  • Conducting a PAR or partial PAR

Communications Duties and Responsibilities

• When an EVACUATE is called, Communications is responsible for:
  • Ensuring that Incident Command is aware of the EVACUATE
  • Repeating the EVACUATE transmission accompanied by a series of alert tones at the direction of Incident Command.