USCP updates its evacuation procedures

The U.S. Capitol Police updated its emergency evacuation procedure this week by issuing “Office Cleared” cards to all member offices.

{mosads}The cards, which hang on doorknobs much like the “Do Not Disturb” signs used in hotels, are meant to “expedite the clearing of the building during an evacuation,” according to an e-mail issued Tuesday by the Capitol Police’s Office of Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Operations.

“These yellow cards are hung on the outside doorknob of your office in the event of an evacuation,” the e-mail continued. “After checking to ensure that all persons have evacuated your office, the last person leaving should hang the card on the exterior of the door.”

Capitol Police officers are also visiting all member offices to ensure that staffers are familiar with both primary and alternative evacuation routes as well as assembly areas, the internal e-mail said.