Critical Reasoning and Writing for Business 201

Writing Assignment 1

Routine Informative Message

Prompt

While talking recently with your boss, Leslie Cardamon, you learned that she is concerned about fires and safe evacuation practices in your office building. She thinks you, as the director of human resources, should prepare a set of procedures for employees to follow in case of fires. She also thinks the two of you can work out the procedures in a conversation, and she begins talking with you.

She starts by saying that if an employee sees a fire, that person should pull the alarm and call the fire department. The number of that department is 9-911. If the fire is small, the employee can attempt to put it out it with a fire extinguisher. At this point, you ask Ms. Cardamon if the person who discovered the fire should also notify a supervisor. She agrees. She adds that the supervisor should size up the situation and decide whether the building should be evacuated. You then begin to consider the evacuation process. What should employees do? Ms. Cardamon says that all doors should be closed and employees should secure their workstations.

Ms. Cardamon goes on to say that if employees are evacuating, they should go to the nearest exit in an orderly manner. Also, it's essential that everyone remain calm. You ask about people with disabilities. "We should definitely assist all visitors and persons with disabilities," your boss says. Then Ms. Cardamon remembers employees have been told about predetermined gathering places, and they should go there and wait for more instructions from floor monitors. It's also important that employees not re-enter the building until given the all-clear. When they are outside, employees should stay out of the way of fire department personnel and equipment.

Your Task. Write an e-mail to all employees from you, Director of Human Resources, about the company's policy on fire safety and evacuation procedures. Provide background data, then list clear instructions in case of fire. Provide your name, title, and office phone number in case receivers want more information.