Chapter 5 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

52090.19 Evacuation(s)

• Fire protection practices and departmental policy mandate that all employees be instructed and trained concerning their duties and responsibilities should it become necessary to conduct an emergency evacuation for any fire or life threatening condition.

• Fire emergency and evacuation plot plans and routes shall be conspicuously posted in every area throughout the institution. Area supervisors shall ensure that all employees and inmates are aware of the correct route to take in the event of an evacuation. Special instructions shall be provided for inmates with disabilities to effectively communicate the correct route to take in the event of an evacuation.

• Fire and emergency evacuation procedures shall be modified as necessary to ensure the safe and efficient evacuation of individuals with disabilities. Particular attention should be given to housing units designated for inmates with disabilities. Whenever possible, inmates with disabilities, who may require assistance during an emergency evacuation, should be housed in cells and dorms closest to the emergency exits.

• Evacuations may be ordered prior to or during a fire or other emergency by the Fire Chief, institution firefighter, unit lieutenant or other personnel in charge of the life threatening area.

• Whenever possible, at least two designated exits shall be identified to permit the prompt evacuation of staff, inmates, and visitors.

• Evacuation drills shall be held quarterly under varying conditions on all three watches by designated supervisors. Such drills shall be actual unless the drill would cause a security or unusual safety problem with removing the inmates.

  • Where actual evacuation is not feasible due to custody, safety, and welfare of staff or inmates, staff will walk through the evacuation procedures without actual evacuation.

  • Such walk through drills shall be monitored by the area supervisor to ascertain that actual evacuation could be accomplished as required. All staff and inmates will be familiar with fire evacuation routes, exits, and procedures.

• At the conclusion of fire drills, the area supervisor shall complete a DS 5003 indicating the necessary information, and forward a copy to the Fire Chief.