Emergency Response & Evacuation Policy
Life safety procedures, evacuation protocols, and emergency response requirements for all facility personnel
The Emergency Response & Evacuation Policy defines how all customers, vendors, contractors, and visitors must act in the event of a fire, power incident, natural disaster, hazardous material release, or other emergency within a GridColo facility. Data centers are engineered for resilience, but no facility is immune to emergencies. Rapid, orderly, and predictable responses are essential to protect life safety, minimize operational disruption, and ensure first responders can do their jobs effectively. This policy establishes clear expectations so that every individual onsite knows how to recognize an emergency, how to evacuate safely, and how to account for themselves and others once outside the building.
This policy applies to all non-GridSite personnel present at a GridColo facility, whether as customers, customer contractors, vendors, service providers, auditors, or escorted visitors. It applies across all Security Levels (1–4) and covers all emergencies requiring partial or full evacuation, including drills.
CRITICAL: Life Safety Priority
Life safety takes priority over equipment protection and business operations. When alarms sound or GridColo staff direct evacuation, all work must stop immediately, equipment must be left in a safe state if possible, and individuals must proceed to the nearest exit without delay.
Customers and vendors must follow evacuation routes posted onsite and proceed to the designated muster point. Re-entry is strictly prohibited until GridColo or emergency authorities declare the facility safe.
GridColo facilities are equipped with audible alarms, visual strobes, and in some cases voice notification systems. These devices indicate fire, environmental hazards, or other conditions requiring evacuation. GridColo security or operations staff may also provide verbal instructions via radios, intercoms, or direct contact.
Individuals must treat every alarm as valid and act immediately. Silence or disablement of alarm devices is strictly prohibited.
Each facility maintains marked evacuation routes and emergency exit doors, illuminated by emergency lighting. Routes are posted at entrances, in corridors, and within data halls. Individuals must familiarize themselves with at least two exits from any area in which they are working.
Exit Requirements:
- Exit doors must remain unobstructed at all times
- Doors may not be locked, blocked, or propped under any circumstances
- Use the nearest safe exit during evacuation
- Avoid re-entering areas already evacuated
Upon exiting, all individuals must proceed directly to the designated muster point. Muster points are posted on evacuation diagrams and will be reviewed during site orientation.
Accountability Requirements:
- Escorts must account for their visitors
- Supervisors must account for their teams
- Customers must account for their personnel
Prohibited:
Leaving the site without reporting to the muster point is prohibited, as it complicates accountability efforts.
Escorts are responsible for ensuring their visitors or contractors exit promptly and safely. Visitors unfamiliar with the facility must be guided along the evacuation route and supervised until they reach the muster point. Escorts must then notify GridColo staff that their visitors are accounted for.
Failure to manage escorted personnel during an emergency may result in revocation of escort privileges.
Contractors working in mechanical or electrical spaces, or engaged in elevated work, must stop work immediately when alarms activate and secure their work areas if time allows. Lockout/tagout devices must remain in place until GridColo authorizes re-entry.
Hazardous Materials:
Hazardous materials brought onsite by contractors must be secured if possible; if not, contractors must notify GridColo Operations at the muster point.
Only GridColo personnel are authorized to interface with emergency responders during an incident. Customers and vendors must not attempt to re-enter the building, provide directions, or otherwise interfere unless specifically asked by GridColo staff.
If an individual has information about the cause or location of a hazard, they must provide it to GridColo staff at the muster point so it can be relayed appropriately.
In certain emergencies — such as severe weather, chemical releases, or security lockdowns — sheltering in place may be safer than evacuation. GridColo staff will provide clear instructions in these situations.
Customers and vendors must follow directions immediately, move to designated shelter areas if instructed, and remain until the all-clear is given.
GridColo conducts periodic evacuation drills to validate procedures and familiarize occupants with exits and muster points. Participation is mandatory for all individuals present at the time of the drill.
Customers are responsible for ensuring their personnel and contractors treat drills with the same seriousness as actual emergencies.
If an individual experiences a medical emergency, others must notify GridColo Operations immediately. AEDs, first aid kits, and eyewash stations are located throughout the facility; their locations are reviewed during orientation.
Customers and vendors must not attempt to conceal or downplay medical incidents. Emergency medical services will be contacted as appropriate.
The following are strictly prohibited during alarms or evacuation events:
Individual Responsibilities:
- Evacuate promptly when alarms sound
- Use marked exits and evacuation routes
- Report to designated muster points
- Follow GridColo staff instructions
Organizational Responsibilities:
- Escorts must ensure visitor evacuation and accountability
- Customers must keep emergency contact rosters current
- GridColo staff initiate evacuations and interface with responders
Failure to comply with this policy may result in removal from the facility, suspension of credentials, or termination of colocation privileges.
Willful disregard of evacuation orders constitutes a severe violation and may be referred to regulatory authorities or law enforcement.
This policy is effective upon publication and remains in force until superseded. GridColo reserves the right to amend the policy to reflect evolving codes, lessons learned from drills or incidents, and guidance from emergency authorities.