5 simple evacuation exercises
Why is this essential?
Knowing you’re prepared is a priceless feeling. Having a complete Evakit emergency bag is the first step. The second, just as crucial, is to practice. But why? Because on D-day, panic and confusion can be your greatest adversaries. Training means turning the unknown into a reflex, so that every member of the family knows what to do, and you can act quickly and safely. Here are 5 simple exercises to help you prepare effectively.
The quick test: How long will it take you to leave?
Objective: Measure your reaction time and efficiency.
How to proceed: Without warning, sound the alarm. Set a timer, ask the whole family to gather their emergency equipment (Evakit, pet, etc.) and meet at the designated rallying point.
Bonus tip: Try the experiment in different situations: early in the morning, in the evening, or while the children are playing. The aim is to reduce this time with each attempt.
The “eyes closed” exercise: Night evacuation
Objective: To learn how to move and act in the dark or in the event of a power cut.
How to do it: Turn off all the lights in the house. Ask everyone to find their way back to the emergency bag and the nearest exit.
Bonus tip: This exercise allows you to detect obstacles (furniture, toys) that could cause you to lose precious seconds. It’s an opportunity to secure these areas and keep the corridors clear.
The rallying point: Knowing where to meet
Objective: Make sure everyone knows where to meet.
How to do it: If your family is separated (at work, at school), set several rallying points: one close to home (e.g. a neighbor’s house) and a second further away (a park or public place). Test the route to get there. Don’t forget that your family evacuation plan, available in your account under My downloads, is designed for this purpose.
Bonus tip: Make sure the kids know exactly where to go, and that everyone has the family’s emergency phone numbers.
Alternative communication: What to do if the phone doesn’t work?
Objective: Learn to communicate without the usual tools.
How to do it: Turn off the phones. Ask one family member to play the role of the person to be contacted. The other will have to go to the rallying point to “communicate” with him/her.
Bonus tip: Set pre-defined messages, such as a code for “I’m safe” or “I’m heading for the rally point”.
The surprise inventory: Knowing the contents of your bag
Objective: Familiarize yourself with the contents of your Evakit so you know exactly where everything is. If you followed our instructions when your Evakit was delivered, you’ve completed our discovery program and you and your family already know your bag and its contents inside out, but going over everything again is a great exercise.
How to do it: Blind, ask a family member to find a specific item in the bag: flashlight, whistle, bandages, etc.
Bonus tip: It’s also a good opportunity to check that those rare best-before dates are still good.
IN SUMMARY:
Being prepared doesn’t mean waiting for the worst to happen, it means giving yourself the means to deal with it calmly and effectively. Each exercise is a step towards reinforcing your family’s safety. Don’t hesitate to repeat and adapt them so that they become real reflexes.
Training, like your Evakit, is an integral part of your serenity.
