Which is a recommended evacuation guideline?

• A. Obtain copies of inmate rosters for identification and counting
• B. Move people in an orderly fashion to agency-designated evacuation route
• C. Do not use elevators for evacuation
• D. Conduct an inmate count when reaching the evacuation area

Answer: (C)

In an emergency evacuation, safety of everyone exiting the building is the top priority, and the most important guideline is to avoid using elevators. Elevators can fail or become trapped due to power outages, smoke, or fire, potentially trapping inmates and delaying evacuation. Stairs provide a more reliable, controllable path for all occupants and allow staff to monitor movement and maintain order as people leave the facility. While keeping rosters handy, counting people, and moving in an orderly fashion to a designated route are essential for accountability and efficiency, the direct safety benefit comes from using stairs instead of elevators during evacuation.