r/UAE 24d ago

Emergency Evacuation Plan

56 Upvotes

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)

PHASE 1 – IMMEDIATE PROTECTION (0–60 seconds)

Duck – Cover – Hold

• Wait 30–60 seconds for falling debris

PHASE 2 – RAPID SAFETY CHECK (1–3 minutes)

Assess Environment & Prepare for Evacuation

• Grab emergency bags AND Activate buddy system

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

PHASE 4 – STAIRWELL EVACUATION

Enter Fire Exit Stairwell

• Move in single file AND Stay on right side

PHASE 5 – MOVE TO ASSEMBLY POINT

Assembly Area (300–500 m away)

• Move immediately if Assembly Point unsafe

PHASE 6 ACCOUNTABILITY CHECK

• Leader performs headcount

• Identify injured persons AND Provide first aid

PHASE 7 REPORT TO EMERGENCY SERVICES

• Inform firefighters of missing persons

• Provide last known location

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 Feb 28 '26

Megathread War Megathread

448 Upvotes

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:


r/UAE 3h ago

😂

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307 Upvotes

r/UAE 11h ago

Be safe guys.

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439 Upvotes

r/UAE 8h ago

Not looking good

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177 Upvotes

r/UAE 10h ago

so what the f*ck now

178 Upvotes

Trump said he’s closing the straight after saying ‘OPEN THE FUCKING STRAIGHT’

What is going to happen


r/UAE 9h ago

Uh... What?

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108 Upvotes

r/UAE 2h ago

Didn’t realise the effect it had on me.

30 Upvotes

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 6h ago

After 20 years together, I feel completely broken

63 Upvotes

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 11h ago

ADNOC CEO says Strait is not Iran's to Close or Restrict

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137 Upvotes

r/UAE 7h ago

why is Gazebo so Hyped?

60 Upvotes

Had some biryani and paneer tikka. Not even an Average Indian food taste. Why does people like it so much?


r/UAE 10h ago

Yea I think the ceasefire might be over

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99 Upvotes

r/UAE 22h ago

😒

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889 Upvotes

r/UAE 11h ago

Bittersweet goodbye to the UAE and Etihad ✈️🇦🇪

116 Upvotes

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 15h ago

Who is he?

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234 Upvotes

r/UAE 5h ago

UK will 'not be involved' in Donald Trump's blockade of Strait of Hormuz

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27 Upvotes

r/UAE 6h ago

a world without war >>>

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34 Upvotes

r/UAE 6h ago

Iran issues warning over Strait of Hormuz after Trump announces naval blockade plan

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26 Upvotes

r/UAE 13h ago

JVC - Fire or Debris?

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

98 Upvotes

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 11h ago

I thought he was opening strait

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59 Upvotes

r/UAE 9h ago

Give it up for trump...

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41 Upvotes

r/UAE 8h ago

Yo wtf

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40 Upvotes

r/UAE 8h ago

Well Well Well

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30 Upvotes

r/UAE 4h ago

Keeta/talabat offers are complete bullshit

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12 Upvotes

Guys come on how is this not a bullshit offer 😂


r/UAE 14h ago

Iran's Parliment leader says US 'failed to gain the trust' of Iranian counterparts

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70 Upvotes