Stuck in a Fire Emergency in a High-Rise Office? 5 Essential Do’s & Don’ts

Most of us know exactly where our workstation is. We also know the quickest route to the cafeteria, the nearest coffee machine, and even the best place to take a break.

But here’s a question worth asking:

. Do you know the nearest fire exit from your floor?

. Would you know which staircase to use if the fire alarm went off right now?

. Do you know where your designated assembly point is?

. Would you know how to protect yourself from smoke while evacuating?

. Most importantly, would you remain calm or would you panic?

The reality is that, most organisations conduct regular fire mock drills, many employees struggle to remember the correct actions/locations during an actual emergency. When panic sets in, even taking the simplest decisions become difficult.

In a high-rise building, preparedness can make all the difference between a safe evacuation and a life-threatening situation.

Here are five essential Do’s and Don’ts every office occupant should know:

Top 5 Do’s During a Fire Emergency

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Your first reaction often determines your next actions.

Instead of rushing immediately:

. Take a deep breath.

. Listen carefully to emergency announcements.

. Identify the location of smoke or fire, if visible.

. Follow the instructions of trained emergency response personnel.

. Encourage others to remain calm.

A calm workplace evacuates faster and more safely than one driven by panic.

2. Always Use the Emergency Staircase

Never use elevators during a fire emergency.

Elevators can become dangerous because:

. Power may fail unexpectedly.

. Lift shafts can fill with smoke.

. Elevators may stop between floors.

. Firefighters require unrestricted access to lift systems.

Emergency staircases are specifically designed to provide a safer evacuation route and should always be your first choice.

3. Protect Yourself from Smoke

Contrary to popular belief, smoke—not flames—is responsible for the majority of the fire-related fatalities.

Smoke contains toxic gases, they severely reduce visibility, and cause unconsciousness within minutes.

If you encounter smoke:

. Stay as close to the floor as possible, where the air is generally cleaner.

. Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth (preferably damp if water is available).

. Avoid inhaling deeply.

. Move steadily towards the nearest safe exit.

Never attempt to walk through dense smoke unless absolutely necessary.

4. Proceed Directly to the Assembly Point

Once you exit the building, your responsibility is not over.

Move directly to the designated assembly area by:

. Following emergency exit signage.

. Walking calmly without pushing or running.

. Avoiding shortcuts or re-entering nearby entrances.

. Remaining with your colleagues for headcount verification.

Emergency responders rely on accurate attendance information to determine whether anyone is still inside the building.

5. Inform Emergency Services Immediately

Once you have reached a safe location:

. Contact the Fire Department if emergency services have not already been notified.

. Inform the building’s emergency response team.

. Report anyone who may still be trapped inside.

. Provide accurate details about the affected floor or location.

Clear and timely information can significantly improve rescue operations.

Top 5 Don’ts During a Fire Emergency

1. Never Use the Elevator

Even if the lift appears operational, do not use it.

Smoke infiltration, electrical failure, or system malfunction can trap the occupants inside, creating a far more dangerous situation.

2. Don’t Go Back for Personal Belongings

Your laptop, phone, wallet, or documents can be replaced.

Your life cannot be.

Every second spent retrieving belongings increases your exposure to smoke and heat.

3. Never Ignore a Fire Alarm

Many people assume:

“It’s probably another mock drill.”

Treat every alarm as a real emergency until officially informed otherwise.

Prompt evacuation saves lives.

4. Don’t Block Emergency Exits

During evacuation:

. Do not stop in corridors.

. Do not gather near staircases.

. Keep exits completely clear.

Obstructed evacuation routes can create bottlenecks and delay hundreds of people trying to leave safely.

5. Never Re-enter the Building

Even if the fire appears to have been extinguished, never return until authorised by the Fire Department or building emergency team.

Hidden fire pockets, structural damage, or smoke accumulation may still pose significant risks.

If Your Clothes Catch Fire

Remember one simple phrase:

Stop. Drop. Roll.

. Stop moving immediately.

. Drop to the ground.

. Roll repeatedly until the flames are extinguished.

Running will only feed the flames with more oxygen.

If You Become Trapped Inside a Room

If evacuation is not immediately possible:

. Close the door to slow the spread of fire and smoke.

. Seal gaps beneath the door using a wet towel or cloth or wet tissue if available.

. Stay close to a window where rescuers can locate you.

. Call the building emergency team or Fire Department and provide your exact location.

. Signal for help without breaking windows unless absolutely necessary.

Keeping the room sealed can buy valuable time until rescue teams arrive.

Fire safety is not the responsibility of the emergency response team alone—it is the responsibility of every person working inside the building. Understanding the evacuation procedures, recognising emergency exits, and participating seriously in fire drills can save lives—not just your own, but also those of your colleagues.

The few minutes you spend familiarising yourself with your building’s fire safety procedures today could make all the difference tomorrow.

Because when an emergency happens, preparation—not panic—is your greatest protection.