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FLOOR WARDEN
POSITION GUIDE
Revised 01/2017
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Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 3
Floor Warden Overview
Role and Responsibilities ............................................................................................. 4
Emergency Assembly Area .......................................................................................... 5
Emergency Communications ....................................................................................... 5
Emergency Radios....................................................................................................... 5
Equipment.................................................................................................................... 6
Before an Emergency .................................................................................................. 6
Evacuation Considerations .......................................................................................... 7
Exit Routes .................................................................................................................. 8
Training ........................................................................................................................ 8
Drills and Exercises ..................................................................................................... 8
Appendix A: Position Checklist ............................................................................. 9
Appendix B: Evacuation Roll Call Site Attendance Checklist................... 10
Appendix C: Campus Evacuation Map .............................................................. 11
Appendix D: After Action Report Template .................................................... 12
Appendix E: Radio Protocols .......................................................................... 13-14
Appendix F: Individuals with Access & Functional Needs .................... 15-16
Appendix G: Links ................................................................................................... 17
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Introduction
The Floor Warden program was developed to provide an organized response to most
emergencies that can be expected in the workplace. A disorganized evacuation can
result in confusion, injury, and property damage. The guide serves and supports the
overarching emergency response structure at California State University Dominguez
Hills (CSUDH) as outlined in the CSUDH Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and
suggests appropriate actions to be taken by Floor Wardens in the event of an
emergency.
The Guide will be implemented by supplying periodic training and exercise play, which
will educate personnel and enhance their ability to carry out all assigned tasks and
responsibilities. The Floor Warden Guide is made available to all personnel selected
and/or assigned to be Floor Wardens at California State University Dominguez Hills.
A wide variety of emergencies both man-made and natural, may require a workplace to
be evacuated. Floor Wardens should respond differently to these different threats. This
Section discusses possible actions to be taken by the Floor Wardens in preparation for
and response to evacuations.
In accordance with California Government Code, every Floor Warden shall follow the
instructions provided by emergency response personnel during an emergency.
Violations of these orders, directions, and instructions (including disobeying or
interfering with an official in their official duties) may be subject to misdemeanor citation,
arrest, and/or detention by law enforcement.
Floor Wardens are campus employees who are designated to monitor the safe
evacuation of personnel in the assigned building to the appropriate Emergency
Assembly Area. ALL FLOOR WARDENS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND ONE
TRAINING MEETING ANNUALLY.
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Role and Responsibilities
Floor Wardens will perform most, in not all, of the following duties depending on the
scenario:
● Receives information from: University Police Department (PD),
Emergency Manager (EM) and/or P.A. Announcements.
● Directs evacuating personnel based on information from University PD, EM
and/or P.A. Announcements.
● Becomes familiar with any staff requiring special assistance and be able to assist
as needed.
● Maintains an accurate, up-to-date roster of employees on the floor (including
special needs personnel)
● Alerts unaware individuals of the emergency
● Direct evacuating personnel to the nearest stairwell, using the inside handrail of
the stairwell.
● Searches the floor for any injured or remaining personnel.
● Once outside, directs personnel to appropriate evacuation roll call site.
● Accounts for individuals within their area of evacuation
● Floor Wardens must make themselves easily identifiable at the Emergency
Assembly Areas.
● Receiving reports from other Wardens on their respective area(s)
● Checking-in with and reporting the status of their area, including any missing
individuals and other emergency related information
● Document and complete an After Action Report (AAR) upon every evacuation.
The AAR will be submitted electronically to the Emergency Manager (EM) upon
completion within 24 hours following any evacuation.
At a minimum, every floor of the building should have one (1) Floor Warden
and one (1) Alternate.
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Emergency Assembly Area
For any emergency that requires an evacuation of the workplace, Floor Wardens will guide
building occupants safely outside and to their pre-designated areas to await instructions and
“all clear” notifications. These areas are called Emergency Assembly Areas and are unique to
every building. If assistance is needed in determining the appropriate Emergency Assembly
Area, please contact the CSUDH Emergency Manager (EM) at (310) 243-2751 or check the
CSUDH Emergency Preparedness website.
Once all building occupants have arrived at the Emergency Assembly Area, Floor Wardens
should begin their accountability procedures (found in Evacuation Procedures) and fill out their
Evacuation Sign-in sheets. As described before, the Floor Warden(s) will submit an After Action
Report (AAR) electronically to the Emergency Manager (EM), who will gather and compile
information for the campus.
Emergency Communications
When an emergency occurs, Floor Wardens may be notified by physical indicators (shaking,
smoke, etc.), other employees, emergency response personnel, building alarms or ToroAlert.
Floor Wardens will ensure this information is reported to 911 or the Emergency Manager. If
telephone systems are unavailable a runner should be sent to the University Police Station.
Emergency Radios
Each radio is assigned an identifier to be used during an evacuation. All identifiers are the
names of the location in which the radio is located. A monthly radio check will be conducted on
the first Monday of each month at 9:00 a.m. Radio recipients will call in to “Emergency Prep.”
Radios are to be kept on the charger in the “off” position. Radios are to be kept in a secure
location that is also accessible to staff during an evacuation.
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Equipment
Each Floor Warden will be given a minimum amount of equipment to aid them in their duties.
Some Floor Wardens will be given additional equipment as budgets permit.
Below is a list of items that each Floor Warden should receive:
o Orange Vest
o Helmet
o Whistle
o Flashlight
o Clipboard
o Position Guide
o Campus Map
o Any Employee Building Specific Reporting Forms
o Two-way Radio (if building Point of Contact)
Before an Emergency
Depending on the circumstances and the type of emergency, the first important decision is
whether to stay put (also known as “shelter-in-place”), or to evacuate the area.
Understand and plan for both possibilities and the rationale for each response. Use common
sense and available information, including the suggested actions outlined in this guide, to
assess the situation and determine if there is immediate danger. In any situation, if you are
specifically told to evacuate by emergency personnel or another Floor Warden, do so
immediately. Please become acquainted with the building to which you are assigned. Identify
and locate all exit routes and assigned Emergency Assembly Area. Introduce yourself to all
employees in your area of responsibility and identify yourself as the Floor Warden for the floor
and/or building.
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Evacuation Considerations
The following guidelines are provided to instruct Floor Wardens in the evacuation of all
personnel and individuals with access and functional needs who may require assistance
during an emergency.
● If the situation is life threatening, call 9-1-1.
● DO NOT use elevators unless instructed to do so by emergency response
personnel.
● Emergency response personnel will search exit corridors and stairwells for all
stranded persons
● Floor Wardens may be assigned to check the evacuation route for
obstructions before assisting individuals with access and functional needs to
the exit.
● The needs and preferences of individuals vary. Always communicate the nature of
the emergency to the person. Ask a person requiring assistance about any special
considerations and ways in which you can assist before attempting any rescue
technique or giving assistance. If possible, bring mobility aids (crutches,
wheelchairs, walkers) while evacuating the person.
● Floor Wardens should not re-enter unsafe buildings, doing so would put them at
risk.
● Floor Wardens will immediately notify the emergency response personnel or
Emergency Manager of any people remaining in the building. Their locations as
well as their access and functional need if applicable.
● If immediate evacuation is necessary and the person is in immediate danger and it
is a life-threatening emergency, evacuate if applicable.
● To ensure the safety of the person being evacuated, only evacuate a person using
a wheelchair if you have had training or the person is in immediate danger and
cannot wait for emergency personal assistance.
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Exit Routes
Floor diagrams should be posted on the walls in your area of responsibility that indicate
locations of exits, assembly areas, and equipment (such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, spill
kits) that may be needed in an emergency. Exit routes should be:
•
Clearly marked and well lit
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Wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuating personnel
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Unobstructed and clear of debris at all times
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Unlikely to expose evacuating personnel to additional hazards
Training
All Floor Wardens are required to read this guide that will orient individuals to the roles and
responsibilities of the program within 30 days of their appointment as a Warden. All Floor
Wardens should familiarize themselves with all evacuation routes, fire extinguisher locations, and
other information specific to their areas. AGAIN, ALL FLOOR WARDENS ARE REQUIRED TO
ATTEND ONE TRAINING MEETING ANNUALLY.
Drills and Exercises
All Campus employees will be notified of any evacuation drills. Prior to a drill, the EM shall
distribute, or make available, emergency evacuation and/or earthquake procedures to
employees. These procedures must be followed to ensure the drills are as effective as possible.
Please note the method for initiating these drills may differ, depending on the building. Drill
personnel may use audible alarms, or whistles to signal the start of a drill. The use of any
building alarms in a drill must be coordinated with the CSUDH Facilities Services. Supervisors
and all Wardens will be given advance notice so that they can prepare for questions employees
may have regarding the drills. Contact the Emergency Manager for questions or to schedule a
drill.
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Appendix A: Position Checklist
Floor Warden Checklist
FLOOR WARDENS are assigned to each floor within a building to ensure that all people are aware of an
emergency situation. Floor Wardens direct the evacuation of their assigned floor to the nearest emergency
exit; checking to ensure that all people have left the area as they themselves exit the floor. Floor Wardens
prevent people from using elevators and help ensure an orderly and safe stair evacuation; enlist help to
assist any disabled person, and direct people to the building’s assigned Evacuation Roll Call Site.
NEVER PUT YOUR OWN SAFETY AT RISK!!!
During an Evacuation:
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Don your orange vest, retrieve checklist and roster
Retrieve emergency bag (if pertinent to building and trained in First Aid)
Alert all individuals in your assigned area to evacuate
Close (do not lock) all doors as you exit the area
Once outside, provide the Emergency Responders or Emergency Preparedness Coordinator with
information about the condition of your floor. This should include information about injured
individuals, trapped or missing persons, fire, hazardous material spills or other hazards
Provide information to evacuated occupants in the Evacuation Roll Call Site as directed by the
University PD or Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Keep individuals away from the scene of the emergency
Pre Emergency Responsibilities:
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***Attend Floor Warden meetings and training opportunities***
Consider attending hands-on fire extinguisher training
Review emergency procedures and know the location of your Evacuation Roll Call Site
Be familiar with the location of the following emergency equipment:
● Fire alarm pull stations
● Fire extinguishers
● Emergency exits
● Evacuation routes
● First aid supplies
● Emergency supplies
● Emergency shower and eye wash stations
Identify individuals with access and functional needs
Post Emergency Responsibilities:
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Document and complete an After Action Report (AAR) upon every evacuation. The AAR will be
submitted electronically to the Emergency Manager (EM) upon completion within 24 hours following
any evacuation
Disseminate information to floor occupants as warranted
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Appendix B: Evacuation Roll Call Site
Attendance Checklist
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Appendix C: Campus Evacuation
Map
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Appendix D: After Action Report
Evacuation
After-Action Report
Background Information
Location:
Person in Charge
Date:
Type of
Incident
Time Started
Time Finished
Description of events
Observations
Primary Areas for Improvement:
Major Strengths:
Submitted by:
Date
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Appendix E: Radio Protocols
Two Way Radio Protocol
Basic Radio Etiquette Rules
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The international radio language is English.
When using a two-way radio you cannot speak and listen at the same time, as you can
with a phone.
Don't interrupt if you hear other people talking.
Do not respond if you aren't sure the call is for you. Wait until you hear your call sign to
respond.
Never transmit sensitive, confidential, financial or military information.
Perform radio checks to ensure your radio is in good working condition.
Memorize call signs and locations of persons and radio stations you communicate with
regularly.
THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK:
o Decide what you are going say and to whom it is meant for.
o Make your conversations as concise, precise, and clear as possible.
o Avoid long and complicated sentences. If your message is long, divide it into
separate shorter messages.
o Do not use abbreviations unless they are well understood by your group.
4 Golden Rules of Radio Communication
1. Clarity:
Your voice should be clear. Speak a little slower than normal. Speak in a normal
tone, do not shout.
2. Simplicity: Keep your message simple enough for intended listeners to understand.
3. Brevity:
Be precise and to the point.
4. Security: Do not transmit confidential information on a radio unless you know the proper
security technology is in place. Remember, frequencies are shared, you do not
have exclusive use of the frequency.
Making a Call
Follow these easy steps to make a call.
1. First listen to ensure the channel is clear for you.
2. Press the PTT (Push-To-Talk) button.
3. After 2 seconds:
4. Say "recipient's call sign"
5. Followed by "THIS IS" and "your call sign"
6. Once the person replies, convey your message.
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Sample Dialog
Below is a sample dialog that puts these standards to use.
Adam: Mike, this is Adam. Over.
Mike: Adam, this is Mike, Stand By. Over. Mike:
Adam, this is Mike, Go Ahead. Over. Adam: Mike,
there is a fire at 123 Main St. Over.
Mike: Adam, this is Mike, confirming a fire at 123 main St. The fire department will be
notified. Over.
Adam: Mike, this is Adam, address is confirmed, thanks for the help. Over and Out.
Radio Communication Tips
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•
•
•
Leave a second or two between "hand-offs" to give others a chance to break in.
It is always best to speak in short simple phrases on the radio and toss the
conversion back and forth with the word "OVER."
Don't speak immediately when you press the PTT (push to talk),
especially with digital radios which among all their benefits have
slightly longer delay. Wait 2-3 seconds.
If you speak as soon you press the PTT button, it can chop off your the first syllable or
word, making you hard to understand. If that word doesn't make it, you will just have to
say it again and run down your batteries faster.
Radio User’s Language
Go Ahead – Resume transmission
Say Again – Re-transmit your message
Stand-by – Transmission has been acknowledged, but I am unable to respond now.
Roger – Message received and understood.
Affirmative – Yes – Avoid yup, nope, etc.
Negative – No
Over – Transmission finished.
Out – Communication is over and the channel is available for others.
Standard NATO Alphabet
Used to spell out letters over the radio.
A - Alpha
B - Bravo
C - Charlie
D - Delta
E - Echo
F - Foxtrot
G - Golf
H - Hotel
I - India
J - Juliet
K - Kilo
U - Uniform
L - Lima
V - Victor
M - Mike
W - Whiskey
N - November X - X-ray
O - Oscar
Y - Yankee
P - Papa
Z - Zulu
Q - Quebec
R - Romeo
S - Sierra
T - Tango
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Appendix F: Individuals with
Disabilities and Others with Access
and Functional Needs
Definition
Populations whose members may have additional needs before, during, and after an
incident in functional areas including but not limited to: maintaining independence,
communication, transportation, supervision, and medical care are considered to access
and functional needs. Individuals in need of additional response assistance may include
those who:
● Have disabilities (including those with mobility impairments)
● Are elderly
● Are children
● Are from diverse cultures
● Have limited English proficiency or are non-English speaking
● Are transportation disadvantaged
Identification and Request for Assistance
The privacy and confidentiality of persons with access and functional needs during an
evacuation must be respected. As such, individuals cannot be required to disclose they
have access and functional needs; planning emergency evacuation of persons with
access and functional needs must be predicated on self-disclosure. In order to receive
assistance, occupants who have access and functional needs during an evacuation
should request assistance from their Floor Warden, so that advance arrangements can
be made to meet their needs. This information will only be used to assist emergency
response personnel in locating and assisting persons with access and functional needs
during an emergency.
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Considerations for Evacuating Wheelchair-Bound Persons
In a Wheelchair
Without a Wheelchair
Do not attempt to move a person in a
Ask how to remove them from the
wheelchair by yourself; seek help.
wheelchair.
The number of people necessary for
The number of people necessary for
assistance.
assistance.
Ask whether to carry forward or
Whether paramedic assistance is
backward on a flight of stairs.
necessary.
Wheelchairs have many movable or weak
Ask whether to move their extremities or not.
parts; some are not designed to withstand
stress or lifting.
Some persons have no upper trunk or
Ask whether to carry forward or backward on a
neck strength.
flight of stairs.
Power wheelchairs have very heavy
Ask what is necessary for after-care (e.g., ask
batteries which may need to be removed;
whether the seat cushion or pad should be
an evacuation chair may be needed and
brought).
the chair retrieved later.
Evac-Chair Instructions
The university has purchased Evac-Chairs that are located on the top floor of the
stairwells in every multi-story building on campus. Floor Wardens annually practice
using the Evac-Chairs at monthly meetings, but can request additional training if so
desired.
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Appendix G: Links
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CSUDH Emergency Preparedness - http://www4.csudh.edu/dhpd/emergencypreparedness/index
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Campus Safety Magazine – www.campussafetymagazine.com
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CESA – www.cesa.net
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Department of Homeland Security https://communities.firstresponder.gov/web/guest
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Emergency Management - http://www.emergencymgmt.com/
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FEMA Independent Study - http://training.fema.gov/is/crslist.aspx
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Infragard - https://www.infragard.org/
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International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Officers http://www.iaclea.org/
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International Association of Emergency Managers - http://www.iaem.com/
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LA Emergency Management University Consortium http://www.laemuc.org/home
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Learning Center for Child and Adolescent Trauma http://learn.nctsn.org/index.php
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School Safety Advocacy Council - http://www.schoolsafety911.com/
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Special Needs Disaster Voluntary Registry - https://snap.lacounty.gov/