East London businesses in industrial estate Queen’s Yard were evacuated today as a derelict warehouse on London’s 2012 Olympic site went up in massive flames and smoke.

And did they know what to do when they were evacuated because of a major fire incident?

Possibly, possibly not.

Here’s a list of things they should have done, keep it near you so if you’re a close neighbour to a major fire incident next time you know exactly what to do.

1. If you’re in close proximity evacuate your customers and staff to a safe location away from the fire or the line of access for the services
2. Close down computers and turn off electrical appliances, un-plug if possible
3. Take a bag with staff contact details
4. Take your phone and its charger
5. Close and secure all windows and doors
6. Place all valuables in safes or other secure places
7. If you think that your premises could be affected by running water under the doors place rolled carpet or towels behind the doors most at risk
8. Take your list of recognised recovery trades people (this may be kept with you insurance policy)
9. Secure your premises as if you were leaving for the night, with your alarm on
10. Secure awning or fabric from shop fronts as this could catch fire from sparks
11. Listen and follow instructions given by the services and do not endanger anyone’s life (including yours) by considering property before people

Just checking those tips will help you get through the major incident. Also recognise that you may be unable to return to your business that day, or even that week. What would you do then…

Also notice how major incidents affect communications – Hackney Wick railway station was closed down and the bus station couldn’t be used because the heat and fire was affecting it. The result is that people are hanging around waiting to get buses, or walking.  If the business had asked the simple question what would happen if we had a major disaster everything a business needed to do could have been worked out.

This is the beginning to disaster preparedness!