Fire Evacuation Principles

 Smoke Detectors must be installed at appropriate places on each floor.

 Security Alarm System is installed with panic buttons.

 Emergency Exits Door is identified and notified.

Inspection of Branch/Dept. on (weekly basis) including:

 Exposure from nearby tenants and Hazardous materials present
 Conditions of stairwells

 Exit signs and lights

 Air-conditioners

 General housekeeping

 Kitchen / Cooking

 Electric Room & Electric Boards

Ensure the Inspection of fire protection tool/ systems as follows:

 Test Fire Alarms installed
 Staff is trained on how to appropriately use Fire extinguishers.

 Regular/periodic checking

 Fire drills should be held and testing of fire extinguishers regularly. Check the expiry of fire
extinguisher and ensure that they are refilled in time.

Inspection of electrical system including:

 Emergency generators
 Emergency lighting provided

 Electrical wiring grounded

Ensure that all the staff understands their responsibility:

 Make sure all electrical/office equipment is unplugged before leaving the Branch/Department.
 Waste paper baskets are not used as ashtrays.

 Every staff member of the Branch / Unit is familiar with preventive measures and knows how to
operate fire extinguishers.

How to Use Fire Extinguishers Learn P.A.S.S. (Pull-Aim-Squeeze-Sweep)

 Pull the Pin/needle.
 Aim the pipe of fire extinguisher at the base of fire.

 Squeeze the handle to release extinguishing foam.

 Sweep the foam at the base of fire to extinguish the fire.

How to Evacuate Safely

Each day, fires consume both property and human lives. Fire Safety Planning & Evacuation
drills greatly increase chances of protecting people from injury or death in the event of a fire.
However, these drills are effective only when designed and implemented under proper
guidelines.

Leadership

Identify who is in-charge and notify all concerned, to eliminate chances of many people
attempting to give direction at the same time. Have an alternate individual as in-charge to take
over responsibilities should the primary individual be unable to fulfill the duties for any reasons.

Procedures and Diagrams

Explain the specific procedures and exit routes to the participants of the drill in advance, Make
sure that the procedures and exit routes are prominently posted so that visitors of the building can
also follow drill procedures if needed. These procedures and diagrams should be placed in areas
that are well frequented, such as bathrooms, lobbies and stairwells etc.

The exit route diagrams should be clearly labeled and posted so that these cannot be removed or
damaged accidentally.

Designated Meeting Place

Identify where the evacuees are supposed to assemble after exiting the building. This will allow
the person in-charge to check and find if someone is missing in case of real fire.

The meeting place should be large area that is easily accessible by all i.e. parking lot etc.

Get To Safety

The first priority of a fire evacuation is to have all occupants out of the building to a safe place to
avoid injury or casualty.

Head Count

It is very important to have a head count immediately after all occupants move out of the
building to ascertain if anyone is left behind in the building and to take immediate steps for
rescue.

Make Room for the Firefighters

Even if the fire is very small, the firefighters will need room to work. Therefore, all persons must
evacuate the premises so that the firefighters can do their jobs.

Health Inspection

Leader or designated officer should examine each individual for injuries and initiate treatment, if
required.
Evacuation Plans Benefits

Well established evacuation plans enable prompt evacuations in emergency situations. This helps
a greater number of people to escape and at a faster rate, it lessens the panic and confusion
typically associated with evacuations, and allows for a quicker return to normalcy once an
emergency is dealt with.

Steps to follow

 When the alarm is set-off, the designated Security Officer is to check the alarm control
panel, where available and ascertain which area is affected.
 If the fire increases and evacuation is warranted, all staff and customers should leave the
premises in an orderly and calm manner to assemble at the designated meeting area. The
Branch Security Officer should ensure that the Fire Brigade is contacted.
 If possible remove all essential records to the vault / strong room. However, staff should
not put themselves at risk in doing so.
 No one should re-enter the building unless authorized by the Security Officer / Branch
Management.
 Do not Panic
 Use Fire escapes or Stairs but not lifts.
 In-case of minor fire, attempt to extinguish the fire with help of extinguisher.

Check List - Emergency Orientation

Branch will hold a meeting, at least twice a year, or as required, to brief all the staff regarding the
importance and implementation of this plan and actions / precautions to be taken by them in case
of an emergency.

Identifying Emergency Task Team

In case required, designate an Emergency Task Team headed by Safety Officer which in most
cases will be the Chief I Branch Manager, Other members may be key staff of the branch with
back-up staffs.

Emergency Plan & Drills

 Ensure preventive measures and regular drills are conducted.

 Ensure that plans are updated periodically.
 Ensure that an updated list of all important contacts is displayed at notice board of the
branch.
 Ensure that adequate and right kind of Fire Extinguishers are available and maintained
periodically (Normal Fire Extinguishers for solid material fire and C02 for electrical
related fire) and the staff is appropriately trained to use these Fire Extinguishers.

Precautionary Measures

File Extinguishers must be installed near;

Record Room,

Cash Department / Vault,

Computer Room (C02 & N),

Kitchen,

Main Hall,

Electric Room (C02)

Business Continuity Planning Committee

Bank AL Habib Limited

40 - Talpur Road, Ocean Centre, Karachi

Tel: (92-21) 32439844 Ext: 249

Mobile: 0334-3594397

Threats and Their Remedies

Thunderstorms

What is a thunderstorm?

A thunderstorm is a type of storm that produces lightning and the sound of thunder. These storms
often have heavy rain, as well. The sound of thunder is caused when lightning quickly heats the
air around it, expanding the air. As it cools, the air shrinks. This process of expanding and
shrinking makes the sound that we know as thunder.

What can you expect to happen?

Thunderstorms usually last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. They typically happen in the
summer or spring, when the air is warmer. Look outside to see if a thunderstorm is coming. Look
for dark clouds in the distance. You might even be able to see flashes of lightning. You can also
check your local TV news or radio stations to see if there are thunderstorm warnings in your
area.

What should you do?

If there's a storm approaching, you should:

1. Go inside; if you can't make it to a house or a nearby building, stay in your car and roll your
windows up. If you're not by a car, try to stay as low to the ground as possible. Avoid trees,
fences, poles, or any other tall object.
2. Avoid water. If you're in a boat or swimming, get to the land and shelter right away. Do NOT
take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm. Try not to turn on your water faucets and stay
away from your sinks. Electricity, which comes from lightning, travels fast in water and in pipes.
 3. Turn off your major appliances like your TV and air conditioner. Also avoid using a telephone,
unless it is an emergency. Lightning travels fast in wires.

Flooding

What is flooding?

Floods are the most common natural disasters. They are usually caused by heavy rainstorms that
overflow the water or gather on certain sections of land. Flash flooding is the most dangerous
type of flooding. This occurs when a man-made structure, like a dam collapses from too much
water.

What can you expect to happen?

You will not always have warning that a flood is coming. Pay attention to your local radio or TV
stations. They will let you know if there's a flood watch or warning in your area.

What should you do?

Before a flood happens, make sure you're ready:

 Do NOT keep valuable items and appliances in your basement. They could get ruined during a
flood.
 Have flood insurance.

 Make sure your fuse box (or main breaker) and utility meters are raised above the flood level in
your home. Water and electricity' don't mix. (If you're not sure what your flood level is, check
with your local building official, city engineer, or planning administrator.)

When flooding happens, here's what you should do:

Go to higher ground immediately.

Do NOT try to drive through water, even if it's not moving'. Your car can easily get swept away.

What is "Fire"? Why is it dangerous?

Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the chemical process of combustion, releasing heat,
light, it reacts differently with different materials.

The fire spreads quickly, the heat from fire can be deadly, as its smoke blocks the vision and
breathing. We must always be prepared, because fire can happen anywhere, in your home, at
work or outside. The fire can start in many ways.

What can you expect to happen?

Depending on where you are and how the fire was started, you may only have very short time to
get to safe place as the fire can spread very quickly.

What should you do?

When there's fire inside your building, you need to get out immediately. Since smoke from a fire
can make it difficult to see, it is important to know the best way to exit the building. How do you
know this? You should have a plan before it happens.

Here's how to be prepared before a fire:

Have a plan and practice it. This plan should include fire drills. A fire drill can help you practice
leaving your building quickly and safely. Don't forget to talk about different ways you can get
out. Learn more about having a disaster plan.

During a fire, you should do the following:

 Use a fire extinguisher to put out small fires. You can also use water if the fire is not
electrical or chemical. Do NOT try to put out a fire that you can't control.
 If there's a fire that is too big to put out, leave the building immediately. You might not
have much time before the fire spreads, so don't even stop to call emergency. Once you're
outside and safe, you can use a cell phone or a neighbor's phone to call.
 If your clothes catch fire, do NOT run. This could make the fire spread more quickly.
Instead, stop, drop, and roll! In other words, stop, drop to the ground, cover your face
with your hands, and roll back and forth until the fire is put out.
 If there is smoke in your office/house, stay low to the ground as you're leaving. Smoke is
very dangerous to breathe and difficult to see through. Since smoke naturally rises, you
should crawl on your hands and knees to exit the building.

If you're in a room with the door closed, when a fire breaks out, here are
more tips:

 Do NOT open the door if the door handle is hot, there is smoke coming through the
cracks around or under the door. If the doorknob is hot, this means that the fire is close.
 If you are trapped in the room, use duct tape, wet towels, or clothing to seal off any
cracks or vents around the door. Call emergency and let them know where you are. You
could even put a light-colored cloth (like a white t-shirt) outside the window to let
firefighters know where you are.
 If the doorknob feels cool and smoke is not coming in the room, open the door slowly
and carefully. Then quickly exit the building.
 If a fire starts in your kitchen because of oil or grease, try tossing baking soda or salt on
it. Or put a cover over the flame if the fire is in a pot or pan.

What is terrorism?

Terrorism is the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion. Terrorist attacks are
to hurt or kill a number of people for various reasons. A terrorist is mainly trying to create fear.

What can you expect to happen?

A terrorist attack could come in many forms, such as biological, chemical, an explosion, or
radiation.

What should you do?

By knowing the facts and staying alert, you can help reduce amount of damage of the terrorist
attacks.

Find out what to do if:

 You receive a suspicious letter or package.

 You receive a bomb threat.

If a terrorist attack happens near you, here's what you should do:

 Always stay calm.

 Know the facts. Watch the news, listen to the radio, and listen to local officials for news
and instructions.
 Be ready to evacuate.
 Check to see if anyone around you is injured. Call emergency only if someone is
seriously injured and needs immediate medical attention.
 If the attack happens in or near your office/ home, do NOT light matches or candles. Do
NOT turn on electrical switches or any appliances. This could spark a fire.
 Check for gas leaks. If you think there is one call your emergency contact person and get
it rectified.

Earthquakes

What is an earthquake?

An earthquake is when the Earth suddenly shakes. This is caused when rocks beneath the Earth's
surface move and break due to underground stress.

What can you expect to happen?

Earthquakes happen without warning. It may happen any time of day round the year. Almost all
areas of Pakistan can experience earthquake, both small and on large scale. Sometimes an
earthquake will be so small you'll barely feel it. Other times an earthquake will cause the ground
to shake so much that buildings and bridges collapse. Fires, landslides or flooding may happen.
Stay alert for aftershocks, which are smaller earthquakes that follow the main one. Aftershocks
could happen within a few hours of the main earthquake, or they could happen weeks or months
later.

What should you do?

 You will never have warning that an earthquake is coming. If you live in an area that has a lot of
earthquakes, make sure you and your office/ house are prepared.
 Secure cupboards and bookcases to the wall using bolts. Also try to keep heavy objects on lower
shelves so they won't fall on you during an earthquake.

 Make sure your water heater is secured to a wall and won't fall during an earthquake to hurt
someone or start a fire.

Here are some lips of what to do during an earthquake:

  Do NOT go outside. You could get hurt from falling glass or parts of buildings. If you are outside,
stay away from buildings and electrical power distribution lines/ Cables.
 Take cover under a desk, table, or other large and stable piece of furniture. Hold on to it. Or
stand in a doorway and brace yourself.

 Stay away from windows, heavy furniture, appliances, mirrors, pictures, and any object that
could fall and hurt you. Stay away from fireplaces, or you may lose your balance and hurt
yourself with fire.

 If you are driving when an earthquake happens, stop the car if it's safe. Stay inside your car until
the earthquake stops, and don't drive near bridges or tunnels. Try not to stop by electrical
power distribution lines/ Cables, light posts, signs, or trees. These could fall and hurt you.

 Stay alert for falling objects. Most people get injured by falling objects during an earthquake, not
by the shaking itself.

Generator Maintenance/Repair & Diesel Reserves

Matter Most Urgent

Please ensure following measures to keep the generators operation worthy, efficient and in an
immaculate condition. The life of the generator is reckoned to be 20 years, provided routine
maintenance and related care is done regularly.

1. First service of newly installed Generators be carried out after running of 50 hours.
2. Routine service after 1st service be carried out after running of 200 Hours.

3. Administrator must be designated at branch / department level to look after the repair and
maintenance of Generators.

4. The Generator Log (attached) be regularly maintained to streamline the repair and
maintenance.

5. Ensure quality of oil, diesel and petrol to avoid major breakdowns.

6. As per the service level agreements, monthly service be done on regular basis to avoid common
hiccups.

7. New parts be thoroughly checked before installation and old removed parts be kept in the
branch / department on record and be notified in the Job Completion Certificate accordingly .

8. Generators be kept on the Firm and leveled platforms.

9. Generators be kept under the sun shade.

10. Generators must never be kept inside the branches for safety reasons

11. Equipment / parts must never be taken out for repair without gate pass.
 12. Ideally new Generator Fuel Pump calibration is carried out after 1000 running hours, Top
overhaul after 4000 running hours and Major overhaul after 10000 running hours.

13. Following be checked on daily basis before the start of the Generator.

1. Oil level

2. Water level

3. Diesel level

4. Battery / Battery charger

5. Safeties

Note
 Further you are requested to please TOP UP the Diesel / Petrol tanks and keep sufficient
quantity in reserve to cater for any untoward situation.
 Above instructions be implemented in true letter and spirit, the logbook be updated on regular
basis for audit purposes. Irregularities would be dealt with accordingly.

 Forwarded for strict compliance please

 Please acknowledge

Safety Tips for Families & Children

Take a Walk around the House

Take a walk around the house and explain how fires can start in different areas. Show how light
bulbs should never have anything placed on top of them because of the chance of a fire starting
as well as how heaters and radiators are hot and should not be touched. Being aware of one's
surroundings is an important preventive measure.

Fire Prevention Steps

Remove Fire Hazards

Remove fire hazard from your house. Walk through your house with your children and make
sure heating vents are cleared and doors and windows are not blocked by large objects. Also, be
sure your yard is clear of litter, debris, and dry leaves. Teach children what and where fire
extinguishers are.

Maintain Smoke Alarms

Show your children where the smoke alarms are in the house and teach them about what they do.
Children should know how to tell if a smoke alarm is working or if it needs a new battery.

Build a Safe Campfire

Be careful when building an outdoor fire, such as a campfire, to keep it from spreading. Build a
pit away from your table, tent, etc. surround it by rocks, and keep the fire small and under
control. Do not leave your campfire unattended. Make sure the fire is out, before leaving it.

Escape Out

Teach your children to crawl along the floor to avoid smoke inhalation and provide clear view
for escaping. Show children how to open security latches, window bars and other obstacles to a
speedy exit. Remind children to never hide in a closet, go back for a toy or try to find a loved
one. Teach your children to get out fast, go to a designated meeting spot and call emergency
from a predetermined neighbor's house or mobile phone.

Smoke Alarms

Involve children in smoke alarm maintenance. Put smoke alarms near bedroom doors. Do not
place an alarm too high on a vaulted ceilings or it may not sound soon enough due to pockets of
poor air circulations. Test smoke alarms twice a year and replace batteries at least once a year.
Daylight savings is a good reminder to check smoke detectors. Keep alarms free from dust by
vacuuming with a soft brush attachment.

How to Use Fire Extinguishers Learn P.A.S.S. (Pull-Aim-Squeeze-Sweep)

 Pull the Pin / needle.
 Aim the pipe of fire extinguisher at the base of fire.

 Squeeze the handle to release extinguishing foam.

 Sweep the foam at the base of fire to extinguish the fire.

Fire Preventions

Families including children who are aware of the Fire & Safety tips and practice emergency
evacuations regularly are less likely to panic and will effectively deal with the situation when it
really happens. These days children in school are fortunate to have tire drills and fire safety
events. Many schools arrange to have fire fighters visit and educate their children on fire safety.
But it is of prime importance to reiterate fire safety in the homes and on the streets.

Important things to Note and Practice

 Keep emergency contact numbers (e.g. Fire, Security, Ambulance, Police, Neighbors & other
family members)
 Arrange to acquire, install and maintain Smoke Detectors, Security Alarm Bell, Fire Extinguishers,
Emergency Lights or Torch and Emergency Kit (First Aid Kit)

 Have a Designated Meeting Place

 Emergency Exit & Evacuation Plan

Emergency Evacuation Plan

 Explain your children and family the importance of fire safety and its benefits.
 Educate them how to evacuate and practice "evacuation drills at home"

 Keep matches, lighters and cigarettes (and medicines) out of the reach of children. Put them in
higher places where young children can't reach and advise them that matches and lighters start
fires and are not toys to play with.
  Tell your children that if they find matches, they must give these to an adult.

 Teach your children to call emergency number or press the security alarm bell in an emergency.
Explain that if they are home and they notice a fire they should get out of the house and use
mobile phone or go to a neighbor's house to call emergency and contact you.

 Take a look at different websites that address fire safety. They have games, characters and fun
facts for children that make learning about fire safety exciting.

 Stress fire safety to your children around various holidays, like the Independence day and Shab-
e-Barat, when fireworks, matches and candles are abundantly used.

Preventing Fires

Start teaching your children what fire is. You can light a candle and talk about the flame showing
that the flame is very hot and it melts the candle. Explain that touching the candle would burn
their finger and hurt very badly. Next, teach them how fire starts. Explain that anything that gets
very, very hot can start a fire. Talk about ways to stop this from happening.

Children have a bad habit of laying things on top of table lamps, so be sure to emphasize how
dangerous this can be. Tell your children that light bulbs get very hot and anything that touches a
light bulb can catch fire. Finally, teach your children about lighters, matches and fireplaces.
Explain that only adults should use a lighter to light a candle and kids should never try to light
the fireplace, gas cooker or heater. Go around your house together looking for anything that
could be dangerous? Let your children point out anything they think might catch on fire. Talk
about which things are safe and which are not. Also advise them the risks of using gas heaters &
cookers specially when there is possibility of gas load shedding.

Smoke Alarm Safety

In case smoke alarms are installed show your children where the smoke alarms are located. Use
the test button to show them the noise that they make and then explain that if they ever hear that
noise, it means something got very hot and caused smoke. Let your children be in charge of
smoke alarm testing. Go over the calendar and put a sticker on one day every month to remind
you that it is fire alarm safety day. Each month, go together to, each alarm in the house and test
to make sure it works. Then let your children put a check mark on the calendar. Twice a year,
change the batteries in the smoke alarm, When you do, put two check marks on the calendar so
you remember when you did it last.

Escape (Evacuation) Plan

Talk to your children about what happens in a house fire. Tell them that they need to get out of
the house as quickly as possible. Tell them that sometimes house fires are very loud and he may
not be able to call out to elders for help. Determine an escape route for the home. Tell your
children that if the door is shut, they should feel it. If it is hot, do not open it and instead go out
the window, In case the window has a steel grill there should be an alternate exit like a grill
opening that can be unlocked, If the door is not hot, but they hear the smoke alarm they can go
out in the hallway and call for help, If they do not receive any response they should go directly
outside. Plan a meeting place for your family, such as a neighbor's house where you can safely
call the fire department. Practice your escape plan to make sure it works.
Storytelling

First and foremost, children need to learn early on not to play with fire. There are many books
available but most adults should be able to come up with a story or two themselves. Sit children
in a circle and tell a story about the dangers of playing with matches, touching a hot stove, etc.
Children need to learn that flames are meant to be respected, not played with. Teach your
children the importance of an emergency number. Have a phone that is not plugged in and pass it
around. Have each child pretend to dial and have them answer a series of questions like "what is
your address?" Children should learn that if they see a fire they should press security alarm or
call emergency number and be ready to provide the address.

Stop, Drop and Roll

Everyone needs to learn the technique of stop, drop and roll. This is a fun exercise for children to
practice. Have children practice dropping to the floor and rolling toward the door. So that they
can avoid smoke and put off any fires on their clothing.

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