YOU, THE HIRER, are the “RESPONSIBLE PERSON” in the event of a fire or an emergency within the Phoenix Hall (Netheravon) during your hire of the Village Hall.

At all times the Phoenix Hall (Netheravon) is in use, the RESPONSIBLE PERSON must be in charge, and ready to take control of any incident.

Please read and become familiar with these instructions.

YOUR PRIORITY SHOULD ALWAYS BE TO SAVE LIVES AND NOT THE BUILDING!

BEFORE YOUR EVENT STARTS:

• Check that the “Fire Exit” lights are working;
• Check that all escape routes are not blocked, for example by tables, chairs or boxes:
• Check that you now where any fire extinguishers or blankets are stored, and the different uses of the water and CO2 fire extinguishers;
• Check that all electrical equipment and extension leads that have been brought into and/or are being used within the Village Hall look safe to use and PAT tested;
• Check that no balloons or other decorations have been hung where they could fall and obstruct a Fire Exit;
• Inform all your attendees of the Fire Exit routes, and the Assembly Point at the far end of the car park, in the event of a fire or emergency.

DURING YOUR EVENT:

• Know how many people are at your event;
• Keep fire doors closed when not in use, and do not prop them open with door stops;
• Ensure the Fire Exits and escape routes do not become obstructed;
• Brief any disabled people and/or their assistants regarding their best evacuation route from the Village Hall in the event of fire or emergency;
• Ensure that no vehicle obstructs the Village Hall’s main entrance, so that wheelchair users and those with prams/buggies can exit quickly and safely.
• Ensure that emergency services vehicles have a clear access route to the Village Hall from the main road.
• Ensure that your event attendees do not engage in any activity that is likely to cause a fire, for example, smoking or using candles or other naked flames;
• Be vigilante regarding any smells of burning or a gradual build-up of smoke;

AFTER YOU EVENT:

• Remove all waste and check rooms for smoldering or items burning;
• Check cookers, heaters and electrical appliances are turned off and unplugged where necessary;
• Turn off lights not required for security purposes and close all internal doors;
• Secure all external doors and windows.