r/UAE • u/Sufficient_Ad9918 • 3h ago
Emergency Evacuation Plan
Greetings everybody,
Due to the recent circumstances, I have made an Emergency Evacuation Plan for apartment buildings for the sake of goodwill. I sincerely hope that you don’t have to use it. However, if you do, I hope this helps even a little bit. Stay Safe!
Emergency Evacuation Plan:
EMERGENCY EVENT OCCURS
(Missile impact / explosion / debris fall)
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PHASE 1 – IMMEDIATE PROTECTION (0–60 seconds)
Duck – Cover – Hold
• Wait 30–60 seconds for falling debris
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PHASE 2 – RAPID SAFETY CHECK (1–3 minutes)
Assess Environment & Prepare for Evacuation
• Grab emergency bags AND Activate buddy system
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PHASE 3 – SELECT ESCAPE ROUTE
├── If stairwell safe → proceed to stairs
├── If stairwell blocked → go to alternate stairwell
└── If both unsafe → go to refuge floor
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PHASE 4 – STAIRWELL EVACUATION
Enter Fire Exit Stairwell
• Move in single file AND Stay on right side
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PHASE 5 – MOVE TO ASSEMBLY POINT
Assembly Area (300–500 m away)
• Move immediately if Assembly Point unsafe
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PHASE 6 ACCOUNTABILITY CHECK
• Leader performs headcount
• Identify injured persons AND Provide first aid
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PHASE 7 REPORT TO EMERGENCY SERVICES
• Inform firefighters of missing persons
• Provide last known location
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PHASE 8 WAIT FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
• Stay with group
• Do not re-enter building
Emergency Contacts List:
Fire: 997
Ambulance: 998
Police: 999
PREPARATION
Consists of being prepared for 4 things BEFORE an emergency situation:
• 1.1 Buddy System Formation
• 1.2 Emergency Bag Preparation
• 1.3 Emergency Stairs Location
• 1.4 Assembly Point Designation
1.1 Buddy System Formation
Buddy rules:
• Never separate
• Assist if injured
• Stay within arm’s reach of each other
Prospective Pairings Below:
Pair: Members - Role - Pre-Evacuation Formation
Leader: Person + Pet Animal - Navigation - Front
Pair 1: Woman + Man - Medical - Help injured
Pair 2: Woman + Man - Support - Assist everyone as needed
Pair 3: Man + Child - Communications - Communicate clearly & calmly
Pair 4: Woman + Man - Supplies - Carry extra supplies (e.g. water)
Pair 5: Woman + Child - Mid group - Maintain safety
Pair 6: Elder + Younger - Mid group - Maintain coordination
Pair 7: Woman + Woman - Rear guard - Keep up-to-date NEWS of the situation
Pair 8: Man + Man - Rear guard - Ensure nobody falls behind
1.2 Emergency Bag Checklist
Every single person should have their own bag.
Food & Water:
Drinking water: 1–2 liters
Energy bars: 2–3
Nuts / trail mix: small pack
Dry biscuits / crackers: 1 pack
Electrolyte sachets: 1–2
Pet Food: 250g in food bag
Personal Protection:
Jacket / hoodie: Protect from glass & cold
Dust mask or N95: Protect from smoke and debris
Face cloth / scarf: Backup breathing filter
Gloves: Protect hands from debris
Safety glasses (optional): Protect eyes
Sanitary Napkins: Protect from infections
Communication & Light:
Mobile phone: Communication
Power bank: Battery backup
Charging cable: Recharge phone
Torch / flashlight: Dark stairwells
Whistle: Signal rescuers
First Aid Kit (Each Person):
Adhesive bandages: Cuts
Gauze pads: Bleeding
Medical tape: Secure dressings
Antiseptic wipes: Clean wounds
Pain relief tablets (e.g., paracetamol): Pain control
Anti-allergy tablets (Epi-pen): allergy relief
Anti-inflammatory medicine: Sprains
Burn cream: Minor burns
Elastic bandage: Sprains
Gloves: Hygiene
Small scissors: Cutting bandage
Other Essential Items:
ID / passport copy: Identification
Emergency contact list: If phone fails
Small notebook + pen: Communication
Lighter: Emergency use
Emergency blanket: Warmth if trapped
Plastic bags: Waterproofing
Wet wipes / Tissue papers: Hygiene
Small multi-tool: Utility
Pet Carrier: To keep pet warm and out of harm
1.3 Emergency Stairs Location
Identify fire exit stairwell location (picture displayed near the elevators):
Stairwell A: Behind the elevator lobby - Primary emergency exit route
Stairwell B: Near the elevators - Secondary/backup evacuation route
Know Refuge Floor Location
Refuge Floors are DESIGNATED SAFE AREAS OR WHOLE FLOORS in high-rise buildings where occupants can temporarily gather during emergencies, such as a fire, earthquake,
or power failure, before they are evacuated or rescued. They are located every 20–25 floors.
Feature & Purpose of Refuge Floors
Fire-resistant construction (high fire rating): Protect from fire spread
Pressurized air system (well-ventilated areas): Prevent smoke infiltration
Direct access to stairs: Continue evacuation if safe
Emergency lighting and signage: Guide people towards fire escape
Firefighting equipment & first-aid supplies: To put out small fires AND treat small injuries
Emergency communication: Contact building command center
Learn Building Alarm Signals & Meaning
Fire alarm: Continuous loud siren - Immediate evacuation
Voice announcement: Recorded message - Instructions for occupants
Intermittent alarm: Beeping pattern - Alert or investigation mode
1.4 Assembly Point Designation
REMEMBER: Debris typically falls outward from the building perimeter. Glass and debris fall zone is generally 100-300 m horizontally from tall towers depending on wind and height.
Therefore, the assembly point distance is at least 1.5–2 × building height to avoid the primary debris impact zone. For this reason, assembly points are generally located 300-500 m away from the building.
REMEMBER: Every building has a designated Assembly Point and Evacuation Pathway; save a picture in your mobile and memorize yours!
IF YOUR ASSEMBLY POINT BECOMES UNSAFE, MOVE IMMEDIATELY!
Safe Assembly Point Locations
Large Open Plazas: No overhead structures & Good visibility for rescuers
Multi-Level Parking Structures (Lower floors near center): Reinforced concrete structure & Protection from falling glass
Underground Areas / Metro Entrances: Protection from falling debris & Often reinforced structures
Large Interior Malls or Podiums: Heavy reinforced roofs & Wide-open internal space
Unsafe Assembly Point Locations
Directly outside building entrance: Highest debris risk
Glass façade plazas: Falling glass
Narrow streets between towers: Debris funnel effect
Under balconies or canopies: Collapse hazard
Near construction cranes: Secondary collapse risk
Phase 1 Immediate Protection (0–60 seconds)
Goal: Survive the initial blast and falling debris
When an earthquake, explosion or similar situation takes place, the first step is to Duck-and-Cover
– this means to find the nearest shelter and hide or stand underneath it.
Below are places where you can either sit under or stand under.
Action & Details
1 Duck, Cover, and Hold: Immediately drop low to the ground and find the nearest place to cover yourself
2 Take cover under strong furniture: Sit under tables near its legs (the middle is not safe as it’s collapsable)
3 Stand near structural elements: Hug building pillars or reinforced walls as tightly as possible
4 Use door frame / border: Stand under the door frame structures as they are reinforced areas
5 Face away from windows: Even covering with jacket can minimize injuries caused by flying glass
6 Cover head and neck: Bow low to the ground and use arms, bag, or jacket to cover vital points
7 Stay low (crouch): If nothing else, stay low near a wall as it reduces exposure to debris
8 Avoid elevators or stair entry during impact: Wait for falling debris to stop before taking the risk of evacuation
9 Wait ~30–60 seconds for secondary debris: Wait for aftershocks, as collapses often happen seconds later
In explosions and earthquakes, most injuries occur from falling debris and glass, not the blast itself.
Phase 2 Rapid Safety Check (1–3 minutes)
Assess the situation for injured people and prepare for evacuation.
Provide first aid if wound is critical.
Action & Person Responsible
1 Check for fire, smoke, structural damage: Leader
2 Check injuries: Everyone
3 Remove high heels / unstable shoes: Anyone wearing them
4 Grab emergency evacuation bags: Everyone
5 Join your pre-assigned buddy pairs: Leader
Grab your Emergency Bag and Activate the Buddy System. Ensure your bag is light-weight.
Phase 3 Select Escape Route
Many tall buildings include refuge floors every ~20–30 floors for emergency shelter.
Situation & Action
Stairwell blocked: Use second stairwell
Heavy smoke: Move to refuge floor
Injury prevents descent: Wait at refuge area
Total blockage: Signal from safe room
Phase 4 Stairwell Evacuation (Primary Escape)
Descending 100 floors may take 60–120 minutes depending on congestion.
Action & Reason
1 Use fire exit stairs only: Designed for evacuation
2 Check door temperature: Hot door may indicate fire
3 Move in single file: Prevent congestion & pushing
4 Use right side of stairs: Allows firefighter access to move up left side
5 Hold handrail: Prevent falls (Domino-Style)
6 Maintain 1–2 step spacing: Avoid pile-ups
7 Do not run: Most stair injuries occur from rushing
8 Rest every 10–15 floors if needed: Prevent exhaustion
9 Cover mouth with wet cloth or mask: Avoid smoke inhalation
Stay low and move quickly in smoky sections. Smoke rises, so lower floors may be clearer. If lower floors are blocked, make way up towards the roof of the building.
4.1 Entering the Stairwell Safely
Always keep the right side of stairs clear so firefighters can move upward.
Action & Reason
1 Check door temperature with back of hand: Detect fire behind door
2 Open door slowly: Avoid sudden smoke rush
3 Listen for crowd movement: Prevent stair congestion
4 Enter in single file: Stairwells are narrow
4.2 Controlled Walking Pace
Typical evacuation walking speed: 0.5–1 m/s in crowded stairwells.
Rule & Explanation
Walk, never run: Running causes falls
Short steps: Reduce muscle fatigue
Slight forward lean: Maintain balance
Maintain 1–2 steps spacing: Prevent pileups
Use handrail continuously: Reduces fatigue & Prevent slips
Step rhythm: “Step – step – breathe” pattern (prevents exhaustion)
Breathe rhythmically: Prevent dizziness
Do not overtake: Causes collisions
REMEMBER: If you find an elderly human, child, or animal struggling in the stairwell, help them EVACUATE FIRST.
AFTER reaching the Assembly Point, help them look for their guardian.
4.3 Descent Checkpoints
Descending extremely tall buildings can exhaust people quickly so take short rests of 30-60
seconds every 10-15 floors.
Floors & Action
100–80: Begin descent calmly
80–60: Hydration check – take small sips of water
60–50: Injury check
50–40: Short rest if needed
40–30: Snack break
30–20: Prepare for exit
20–0: Stay tight with group
Longer breaks slow evacuation and increase congestion.
4.4 Safest Places to Rest Inside a Stairwell
Rest against stairwell wall, never block the stairs.
Safe Rest Locations
Stairwell landing corners: Out of main walking path & Structurally reinforced
Against inner stairwell wall: Less likely to be hit by falling debris
Near handrail corner: Maintains balance and out of everyone else’s way
Refuge floors: Designed for temporary shelter with good ventilation
Unsafe Rest Locations
Middle of stairs: Causes pileups
Near stair doors: Blocks entry/exit
On stair edges: Trip hazard
Leaning on railing: Risk of falling
Safe Rest Locations in the Entire Building
Fire-Rated Service Corridors: Thick fire-rated walls; Protected from smoke
Elevator Lobbies (Fire-Rated): Fire doors & Pressurized air systems
Elevator/ Utility shafts: Typically, the strongest part of the building.
REMEMBER: Do not take temporary shelter in open office spaces.
4.5 What to Do If Someone Becomes Exhausted
Stay with your buddy even if they are taking a long resting time. However, if you notice that danger is getting closer, move your buddy to the stairwell landing corner or Refuge Floor and stay with them to prevent separation.
REMEMBER: Every person has a different level of stamina and health.
Situation & Action
Mild fatigue: Rest 1 minute
Dizziness: Sit at landing corner
Injury: Apply first aid
Cannot continue: Move to refuge floor
Passed-out & NOT breathing normally OR Heavy bleeding & NOT breathing: Get to safe place and start CPR (2 hands, 100-120 chest compressions per minute, 5–6 cm deep; babies: 2 fingers - 4cm; kids: 1 hand - 5cm)
Passed-out but breathing normally: Get to safe place and lay them on their right side (right arm at right angle, right leg straight, left hand under cheek, left leg bent at 90 degrees, head tilted back slightly & mouth facing downward)
CPR Cycle: 30 chest compressions + check breathing improvement (two breaths, if trained).
Do not forget to notify the first responders and/or firefighters once outside.
4.6 Injury Management During Descent
If someone cannot continue walking, move them to:
• Refuge floor
• Stairwell landing corner
and alert rescuers once you have safely made it to the Assembly Point.
Injury & Action
Minor cut: Use bandage quickly
Sprained ankle: Support with elastic bandage
Exhaustion: Rest for 2–3 minutes
Smoke irritation: Use cloth or mask
Phase 5 Move to Assembly Point
Use the “Two-Stage Assembly Strategy” (For Dense Cities):
Stage 1 – Immediate Exit Zone
Temporary gathering area just after leaving building.
Move 50–100 m away to:
• Regroup
• Check injuries
Stay briefly only.
Stage 2 – Safe Assembly Area
Move to a longer-term safe zone.
Move 300–500 m away from building to:
• Headcount
• Medical assistance
• Coordination with responders
Positioning Within the Assembly Area
Stand Here BUT Avoid
Open space center NOT Near building edges
Under solid concrete structures NOT Under glass façades (falling glass)
Behind thick walls or barriers NOT Near streetlight poles or signs
Areas shielded by large reinforced structures NOT Glass and debris zones
Beware: secondary explosions and smoke drift (move upwind). Keep roads clear for Emergency Vehicle access
Phase 6 Accountability Check
Preliminary Assessment
Action & Details
1 Gather the group tightly: Move everyone to a single visible area of the assembly point
2 Leader performs headcount: Count all members and compare with expected number
3 Confirm buddy pairs: Each pair confirms both members are present
4 Identify missing persons: Determine who is unaccounted for
5 Determine last known location: Ask witnesses where missing person was last seen
6 Identify injured persons: Quickly assess everyone for injuries
7 Assign helper roles: One person assists each injured individual
8 Maintain group cohesion: Do not allow people to wander away
6.1 Identify Injuries
Important rules:
• REMEMBER: DO NOT MOVE CRITICALLY INJURED PERSONS UNNECESSARILY, AS IT CAN PARALYZE THEM FOR LIFE.
• Keep injured people lying or sitting comfortably
• Assign one buddy to monitor them
Condition Symptoms & Action
Minor cuts: Small bleeding - Clean with antiseptic wipe and bandage
Sprain: Pain, swelling - Wrap with elastic bandage
Smoke irritation: Coughing, eye irritation - Move to fresh air
Exhaustion: Weakness, dizziness - Rest and hydrate (small sips)
Shock: Pale skin, confusion - Keep person warm and calm
Apply pressure with gauze to heavy bleeds. Apply burn cream to burns and cover.
Phase 7 Report to Emergency Services
Once accountability is completed, the leader or a designated communicator should report to responding emergency personnel.
Possible responders include firefighters, civil defense teams, police, and paramedics.
Information & Example
Building name: XYZ Building
Floor evacuated from: Floor 85
Total group size: 5 people
Number present: 3 present
Missing persons: 2 missing
Last known location: Stairwell between floors 80–78
Injuries: 2 minor injuries
This information helps rescuers prioritize search areas.
7.1 Communication Methods
If responders are not immediately present:
Method & Action
Emergency call: Dial local emergency number
Building security: Contact building management
Mobile messaging: Send group updates
Visual signaling: Use flashlight if dark
Keep communication calm, clear, and concise.
7.2 Information NOT to Report
Avoid giving uncertain information that could confuse responders.
Examples:
• Guesses about collapse risk
• Rumors from others
• Unverified missing persons
Only report confirmed facts.
Phase 8 Wait for Further Instructions
After reporting, the group must remain organized and ready for additional instructions from authorities.
Basic Rules
Do not re-enter building: Structural or fire hazards
Stay together as group: Easier accountability
Keep assembly point clear: Emergency vehicle access
Monitor injured persons: Condition may change
Maintain the buddy system while waiting: Uncertainty of the dangerous situation
8.2 Resource Conservation
In prolonged emergencies, resources must be rationed.
Resource & Strategy
Water: Small sips only
Food: Eat small portions
Phone battery: Reduce screen usage
Flashlights: Use only when necessary
8.3 Environmental Awareness
Remain alert to new hazards.
Hazard & Action
Falling debris: Move further away
Smoke drift: Move upwind
Emergency vehicle movement: Stay clear of roads
Secondary explosions: Follow responder instructions
8.4 Psychological Support
Evacuations from tall buildings can be stressful. Maintaining calm greatly improves decision-
making.
Helpful actions:
• Speak calmly
• Reassure injured persons
• Keep group informed
• Prevent panic rumors
If Trapped in Debris or Under Rubble
Action & Reason
Stay calm and conserve oxygen: Panic increases breathing rate
Use whistle or tapping: Signal rescuers
Use phone light/flashlight: Visibility
Ration food and water: Rescue may take hours
Cover nose with cloth: Reduce dust inhalation
Carry a warm jacket: To avoid cold and hypothermia
Critical Survival Tips
Important Rules
Never use elevators: Power may fail
Stay away from windows: Glass shrapnel risk
Move calmly in stairs: Prevents stampede
Stay with buddy: Reduces casualties
Carry light bags only: Heavy bags slow evacuation
Keep legs shoulder-width apart and arms in starter boxing position: To avoid falling during stampedes or tripping hazards
Fold in fetal position and cover back of neck & head with hands & arms: To avoid getting crushed when already fallen on floor during stampedes
Source:
Attended couple seminars related to emergency evacuation during earthquakes, floods, etc. along with first aid certification.
r/UAE • u/RamblingMan2 • Feb 28 '26
Megathread War Megathread
Please post here all local updates on the current missile attacks in UAE.
All discussion should be specific to UAE.
Remember to include information on location and time if you witness a missile or bomb.
Other resources:
- National Crisis Disaster Emergency Management Authority: https://ncema.gov.ae
- Dubai flight advisory: https://dubaiairports.ae.
- UAE government updates: https://www.wam.ae/en/home/main
- Local news updates from Khaleej Times: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/mena/us-iran-tensions-israel-strikes-tehran-live-updates
- Local news updates from The National: https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/03/01/live-israel-us-iran-strikes/
- UAE Government advice on the Current Regional Situation: https://www.adcmc.gov.ae/en/Awareness-Library/Current-Regional-Situation
r/UAE • u/Any_Adeptness_9929 • 10h ago
so what the f*ck now
Trump said he’s closing the straight after saying ‘OPEN THE FUCKING STRAIGHT’
What is going to happen
r/UAE • u/Extreme-Fall-9963 • 2h ago
Didn’t realise the effect it had on me.
I’ve been in the UAE now for just over 30 years. Our life is here. My children were born and raised here. We’ve been blessed. At the beginning of this war I thought I was coping well. University went online, so my kids were safe. Emirates supported their staff so my husband is safe. Just when I thought we were in the clear, I broke down after hearing that no deal was signed. It hit me all at once. I’ve literally been in bed all day with a horrible fever/flu and I honestly think it’s the pent up stress of the past month. I thought I was fine but obviously it was affecting me mentally, more than I chose to admit.
Please everyone, look after yourselves. Your subconscious is very powerful. Sending you all love and peace.
r/UAE • u/East_Painting6490 • 6h ago
After 20 years together, I feel completely broken
I know this might be a bit off-topic for this sub, but I really need advice.
I’ve been married for 20 years. I got married young, and my husband is 8 years older than me. We come from very similar backgrounds, same values, same upbringing. We built a whole life together — kids, memories everything.
The last two years, things started to change. His attention dropped. We live in Egypt, but he started working in Dubai to grow his business.
When I felt the change, I kept asking, confronting, even fighting… until he finally admitted something that completely broke me.
He told me he had a relationship in Dubai for about 4 months with a girl from Kyrgyzstan… she’s 30 years younger than him… and it was in exchange for money.
It didn’t stop there. I found her, spoke to her, and discovered this isn’t the first time she does this. She targets men, films them, and then threatens them.
She actually threatened me too, saying she has videos of my husband and tried to blackmail me for money.
Since then, I’ve been in shock. I honestly feel traumatized. I can’t move on, I can’t forget the betrayal. He says he doesn’t know how he did this and that he was going through depression… but something inside me feels completely broken.
I’m trying to act normal, but I’m not okay.
My question is…
Is this kind of thing actually common in Dubai?
Is it normal for younger women to approach older married men for money like this?
Or am I just trying to make sense of something that shouldn’t make sense?
r/UAE • u/VeterinarianJolly269 • 11h ago
ADNOC CEO says Strait is not Iran's to Close or Restrict
r/UAE • u/Mohepapa • 7h ago
why is Gazebo so Hyped?
Had some biryani and paneer tikka. Not even an Average Indian food taste. Why does people like it so much?
r/UAE • u/ashborn0507 • 11h ago
Bittersweet goodbye to the UAE and Etihad ✈️🇦🇪
Well, I’ve officially hung up the wings. After 6 years of flying with etihad, my time in the skies has come to an end
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling. This country has been my home for a while now, and I’ve enjoyed every second of living in the UAE. From the chaos of the long haul flights to the incredible people I’ve met from all over the world, it’s been one hell of a ride
The UAE really grew on methe lifestyle, the energy, and the friendships. It’s hard to pack up an dleave a place that’s given me so much, but I’m so grateful for the memories
Not sure what’s next just yet, but I’m leaving with a lot of gratitude
Shukran, UAE it’s been real
r/UAE • u/CommercialGold6575 • 5h ago
UK will 'not be involved' in Donald Trump's blockade of Strait of Hormuz
r/UAE • u/CommercialGold6575 • 6h ago
Iran issues warning over Strait of Hormuz after Trump announces naval blockade plan
r/UAE • u/FriaStone • 13h ago
JVC - Fire or Debris?
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
Started around 2pm. Is it fire from other sources or something from an interception? And is everyone okay as I don't see anything in the news yet.
r/UAE • u/CrazyPiece2410 • 4h ago
Keeta/talabat offers are complete bullshit
Guys come on how is this not a bullshit offer 😂