FIRE AND EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN
St Finnian’s Church
INTRODUCTION
The Fire Safety Regulations (NIO) 2010 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
(NI) 2000 require Churches to take measures to assess fire risks, maintain fire precautions and provide
an emergency plan.
The objective of this document is to outline an emergency evacuation plan for St Finnian’s Church. (A
separate plan exists for the Parochial and Houston Halls).
RESPONSIBILITY
It is the responsibility of the Rector’s Glebe Warden to provide the under-listed office holders and
persons with copies of this plan and to arrange familiarisation training sessions, especially whenever
there is a change of office holders. He will ensure that a copy of this plan is placed in the Clergy Vestry
so as to be available for the information of visiting officiating clergy or others in charge of events in the
church. Similarly he will ensure that a copy is placed beside the seat set aside for occupation by the
People’s Church Warden so that persons who are acting as “stand in Church Wardens” or undertaking a
similar role may familiarise themselves with their responsibilities in the event of fire or emergency.
Rector
Curate
Rector’s Church Warden
People’s Church Warden
Church Caretaker
Church Organist
Brother David Jardine (Divine Healing Ministries)
In the event of fire or other emergency, responsibility for implementing the plan rests primarily with the
office holders listed above who are hereafter referred to as “Marshals”. In the event of the church
being used by outside groups or organisations it will fall to the leader or organiser of such group and
his/her nominees to similarly act as Marshals and implement this plan.
PRIOR PLANNING.
Marshals and the leaders or organisers of outside groups should carry a mobile phone to make any
necessary 999 emergency calls. They should ensure that the emergency exit routes are not obstructed.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY MARSHALS IN EVENT OF FIRE OR OTHER EMERGENCY

On becoming aware of a fire or other emergency necessitating the evacuation of the church
ensure that the officiating person is aware of the nature and location of the fire or other
emergency.

The occupants of the church should be alerted to the danger and directed to vacate the building
in an orderly manner via the appropriate exit rout(s) (ANNEX A) and to make their way to and
remain at the designated assembly point which is located on the pedestrian path which leads
towards the Rectory.

Promptly arrange for the appropriate exit doors to be opened and if necessary assist or arrange
assistance for elderly or handicapped persons to leave the building via their nearest appropriate
safe exit route. If the electrical supply fails the emergency lighting system is programmed to
come on automatically and illuminate each of the three evacuation routes.

Ensure that that a 999 phone call is made at the earliest opportunity to the appropriate
emergency service(s)

Ensure that all parts of the church, including choir vestry, clergy vestry and both toilets, have
been evacuated.

When safety considerations allow, close but do not lock all internal and external doors to delay
the spread of fire by starving the fire of oxygen.

There are fire hydrants located at the Rectory Gates and in Cregagh Park between house number
16 and 18, also outside number 40 which house is approximately opposite the rear upper gates
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
The fire extinguishers fitted throughout the church should not be used by persons who are unfamiliar
with their use. Their use should be confined to dire situations were life is at risk. Their locations and
types are as follows:
Location
North (main) rear entrance porch
South rear entrance porch
Choir Stalls at door to clergy vestry
Entrance door to Choir Vestry
Boiler room
Type
9 Litre Water
2kg CO2
2kg CO2
9 litre Water
4kg Powder
SUMMARY
Simply stated it is important for Marshals to; remain calm, alert occupants and emergency services of
the danger(s) and get GET OUT and STAY OUT.
This plan was approved at a meeting of the Select Vestry held on 25 February 2015