Fire Evacuation Drill

Next week, there will be a fire evacuation drill at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University. It will take place on October 9th and 10th in the morning hours and will involve the Špork Palace building (October 9th) and the main building at Jan Palach Square (October 10th). The drill will involve the Czech Fire Rescue Service, the Czech Police, and Emergency Medical Services.

Safety and security is a priority for the university, and the drill will be conducted to verify the capability for a real evacuation. This year, the fire drill at the Faculty of Arts will be led methodically and organizationally by the Security Department of the Rectorate of Charles University, with the aim of verifying the correctness of the prepared procedures, the functionality of technical elements, the readiness of fire patrols and other staff responsible for evacuation, the activation of the crisis warning system, and coordination with the Czech Integrated Rescue System.

How will the drill take place?

In the morning hours, a fire simulation will be conducted in the building. To test all necessary aspects of the evacuation, we will use a signal flasher. Therefore, you may:

- see light signals;

- hear evacuation instructions.

Information about the occurrence of the "fire" may reach you in several ways:

• An alarm announced by staff at the reception desk using a megaphone;

• An alarm and evacuation initiated by fire patrol members from among the staff, who will be marked with reflective vests;

• A message from the Crisis Information and Notification System (KISS) via SMS and email.

During the drill, representatives of the Integrated Rescue System, including members of the Fire Rescue Service, the Czech Police, and Emergency Medical Services, will be present at the site, moving around the building and assisting with the evacuation. We estimate the total duration of the drill to be approximately 45 minutes.

How can you prepare for the drill?

For any of you who would like or need to prepare for the drill, you have the opportunity to participate in an online meeting that will take place on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 8:00 p.m. During the meeting, we will give you detailed information about the drill. You will receive an invitation email.

How can you manage the evacuation drill day if you don't feel well before it starts?

If you do not feel comfortable with the drill on that day or feel unwell before it begins, you can visit the designated space at UK Point (Celetná 13). In meeting room 0.14, you can spend time according to your needs. Crisis intervention staff will be available, and you will have the opportunity to discuss anything you feel at that moment.

How should you respond to the alarm?

• Upon receiving information about the evacuation, stop all activities, take your personal belongings, dress appropriately, and calmly (DO NOT RUN) proceed out of the building using one of the evacuation routes:

• The central staircase with an exit from the building towards Jan Palach Square.

• The evacuation staircase (right rear of the building) with an exit to Valentinská Street.

• Follow the instructions of the drill organizers (marked with yellow reflective vests) during the evacuation.

• Comply with the instructions of all official emergency services personnel on site.

• After leaving the building, stay at the assembly point (away from the exit to avoid blocking others) and wait for further information.

• If you have any problems or questions, feel free to contact anyone wearing a reflective vest or a member of the Police or Fire Service.

• At the end of the drill, you may return to the building (approximately after 45 minutes).

• Keep in mind the possibility of unfavorable weather and dress accordingly.

Who will you see as organizers at the site?

• Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic (in uniform)

• Czech Police (in uniform)

• Emergency Medical Services (in medical uniforms)

• Staff members acting as fire patrols of the Faculty of Arts (marked with yellow reflective vests)

• Reception staff of the Faculty of Arts (marked with yellow reflective vests)

• Staff from the Security Department of the Charles University Rectorate and their assistants (marked with red reflective vests)

• Crisis intervention staff (marked with yellow reflective vests with the inscription "KRIZOVÝ INTERVENT")

How can you manage the evacuation drill day if you don't feel well during the drill?

If at any point during the drill you feel uncomfortable, do not hesitate to ask for help. Crisis intervention staff, marked with yellow reflective vests labeled "KRIZOVÝ INTERVENT," will be available on-site. They will be there to help you deal with any feelings, emotions, or experiences the fire drill might bring up.

You will also have access to the space at UK Point (Celetná 13, room 0.14), where you can move to at any time during or after the drill. Crisis intervention staff will be available there as well to support and assist you.