Understanding the Importance of Fire Safety Security in Buildings
Emergency Preparedness in Commercial Real Estate
Emergency preparation and planning are essential in any facility, but they are especially critical in commercial real estate due to the potential for large numbers of occupants. Fortunately, many commercial properties employ a security team, whether in-house or outsourced. These security professionals play a vital role in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
A well-trained security team’s knowledge of the building, safety procedures, and familiarity with tenants positions them as essential personnel in the event of an emergency. They help manage evacuations, guide occupants to safety, maintain order, and support emergency responders while securing the premises.
In New York City, security personnel, (including those from the Department of Buildings and building management) are responsible for directing evacuations. They follow specific protocols, such as using public address systems and fire alarm systems to alert occupants. If your building has an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or is in the process of developing one, you are on the right track toward enhancing safety and compliance.
Key Emergency Roles in NYC Buildings
- Building Evacuation Supervisor (BES): Required for buildings with fewer than 100 occupants above or below the ground floor. The BES is trained to assist with evacuations (source: FSDAGreaterNY.org).
- Fire and Life Safety Director (FLSD): Oversees the fire safety plan and evacuation strategies.
- Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Director: Responsible for creating and executing the EAP, including evacuation protocols and coordination efforts.
Core Elements of Emergency Preparedness
Planning
Emergency scenarios (no matter how unlikely) must be considered when developing your EAP. Planning should address fire, medical, chemical, structural, and active threat emergencies.
Training
Security and fire safety personnel should undergo both classroom-based and scenario-driven training to become confident and capable in executing emergency procedures.
Physical Drills
Conduct evacuation drills involving all service providers (security, janitorial, engineering, tenant reps, fire wardens) at least twice per year. These drills bring the plan to life and test real-time response.
Education
System integrators should provide thorough instruction on the operation of emergency systems. FLSDs must participate in refresher training to ensure readiness.
Coordination
Tenant-specific EAPs should be reviewed and aligned with the building-wide plan. Coordination between building management, tenants, and the FLSD is essential to avoid conflict during emergencies.
Communication
Emergency procedures should be communicated clearly to all tenants and shared with the FDNY to ensure a unified response. Your security team should foster ongoing communication with local first responders.
Roles of Security in Fire Safety and Evacuation
Guiding and Directing Evacuations
- Lead occupants to designated exits and safe assembly points.
- Ensure routes are unobstructed and clearly marked.
- Provide calm and clear instructions to reduce confusion and panic.
Maintaining Crowd Control and Order
- Prevent stampedes and chaos by ensuring orderly evacuations.
- Help vulnerable individuals like the elderly or disabled evacuate safely.
Coordinating with Emergency Services
- Notify fire, police, and medical teams immediately.
- Act as a liaison between emergency responders and building management.
- Secure the building after evacuation to prevent unauthorized access or further risk.
A Continuous Commitment to Safety
Emergency preparedness should be an ongoing, evolving process. Regular reviews and updates are necessary to account for changes in building occupancy, layout, tenant needs, or potential threats. Security and fire safety teams must remain engaged and up to date, serving not just as responders, but as partners in prevention.
Fire Safety Matters
Fire safety and security are fundamental for protecting lives, preserving property, and ensuring compliance with legal regulations. Implementing effective fire safety measures such as early detection systems, fire-resistant construction, evacuation plans, and coordinated emergency response not only minimizes damage and liability but also saves lives.
A proactive and prepared security and safety team is your building’s first line of defense. Prioritize training, coordination, and communication and you’ll be ready when it matters most.