Office Fires Emergency: 6 Life-Saving Steps
- 20 May 2025
Office fires are rare, but when they happen — whether from electrical faults, pantry mishaps, or overloaded sockets — the consequences can escalate fast. In high-rise buildings across Singapore’s CBD, response time is critical.
Whether you work at Raffles Place, One-North, or a business park in Changi, being prepared and trained makes all the difference.
Here are 6 life-saving steps everyone should follow the moment a fire breaks out at the workplace.
Step 1: Activate the Alarm
If you see smoke, fire, or smell something burning:
- Immediately activate the manual fire alarm — usually found near staircases or exits.
- This will alert everyone in the building and trigger the emergency response.
Tips: Don’t assume someone else will raise the alarm — act fast.
Step 2: Evacuate Using Stairs, Not Lifts
Don’t wait to grab belongings — evacuate immediately.
- Use the nearest staircase, not the lift. Lifts may fail or open on fire-affected floors.
- If you encounter smoke:
- Stay low to the ground to avoid inhaling smoke.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth.
- Follow the Emergency Response Team (ERT) or Fire Warden if available.
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Step 3: Call 995Once you’re in a safe area, call 995 to reach the SCDF (Singapore Civil Defence Force).
Step 4: Use a Fire Extinguisher — Only If SafeIf the fire is small and you’re trained:
Tips: Never attempt to fight a growing fire alone. If in doubt, evacuate. |
Step 5: Head to the Assembly Point
Once outside:
- Go to the designated assembly area — usually listed on your company’s evacuation plan.
- Stay there for headcount and further instructions.
- Do not re-enter the building until cleared by SCDF or fire safety personnel.
Assembly points in Singapore are required by law for all workplaces under the WSH Act and Fire Code.
Step 6: Report and Debrief
After the incident:
- Participate in the post-incident briefing.
- Help report anything unusual (blocked exits, missing alarms, etc.)
- Employers should review emergency procedures and fire safety gaps.
These learnings can prevent future incidents and improve your company’s emergency preparedness.
Train Your Team with Our Fire Watch Course
At Advance Safe Consultants, our Fire Safety Awareness Course equips your team with the real-world skills to handle fire emergencies confidently and compliantly.
Whether you’re a safety coordinator, facilities manager, or office admin, our hands-on training follows SCDF and WSH Council guidelines and is tailored for Singapore’s workplace environments.
Contact Advance Safe Consultants today to schedule a Fire Watch Training for your office team.
