ontruimings

Ontruimingen, or evacuations, are the processes of moving people away from a location due to an imminent or existing danger, with the aim of safeguarding lives and reducing harm. They can be planned, such as evacuations during events or building evacuations, or spontaneous in response to emergencies, and apply to indoor spaces like offices, schools, and public venues, as well as outdoor areas and larger regions in the event of disasters.

A typical ontruiming involves several elements. It starts with a risk assessment and an evacuation plan (ontruimingsplan) that defines alarm signals, designated escape routes, exits, and assembly points. A headcount is used to verify that everyone has left the area. Evacuation wardens or supervisors guide occupants, prioritize vulnerable persons, and ensure that elevators are not used, doors remain closed to contain hazards, and access to escape routes remains unobstructed.

Communication is essential during ontruimingen. Public address systems, visual signs, and, when needed, alerts via mobile devices inform occupants about when and how to evacuate. After an evacuation, a headcount is performed and, if people are unaccounted for, rescue teams are alerted. Depending on the hazard, shelter-in-place or other protective actions may be used instead of or before evacuation.

Legislation and guidelines generally require evacuation plans, regular drills, accessible routes, and coordination among fire safety, health, and civil protection authorities. Training for staff, such as evacuation coordinators and emergency response teams, improves preparedness. Ontruiming is a Dutch term reflecting universal emergency-management practices used worldwide.