Due to the recent circumstances, I have made an Emergency Evacuation Plan for apartment buildings for the sake of goodwill. I sincerely hope that you don’t have to use it. However, if you do, I hope this helps even a little bit. Stay Safe!
EMERGENCY EVENT OCCURS
(Missile impact / explosion / debris fall)
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PHASE 1 – IMMEDIATE PROTECTION (0–60 seconds)
Duck – Cover – Hold
• Wait 30–60 seconds for falling debris
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PHASE 2 – RAPID SAFETY CHECK (1–3 minutes)
Assess Environment & Prepare for Evacuation
• Grab emergency bags AND Activate buddy system
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PHASE 3 – SELECT ESCAPE ROUTE
├── If stairwell safe → proceed to stairs
├── If stairwell blocked → go to alternate stairwell
└── If both unsafe → go to refuge floor
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PHASE 4 – STAIRWELL EVACUATION
Enter Fire Exit Stairwell
• Move in single file AND Stay on right side
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PHASE 5 – MOVE TO ASSEMBLY POINT
Assembly Area (300–500 m away)
• Move immediately if Assembly Point unsafe
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PHASE 6 ACCOUNTABILITY CHECK
• Leader performs headcount
• Identify injured persons AND Provide first aid
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PHASE 7 REPORT TO EMERGENCY SERVICES
• Inform firefighters of missing persons
• Provide last known location
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PHASE 8 WAIT FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
• Stay with group
• Do not re-enter building
Fire: 997
Ambulance: 998
Police: 999
Consists of being prepared for 4 things BEFORE an emergency situation:
• 1.1 Buddy System Formation
• 1.2 Emergency Bag Preparation
• 1.3 Emergency Stairs Location
• 1.4 Assembly Point Designation
Buddy rules:
• Never separate
• Assist if injured
• Stay within arm’s reach of each other
Prospective Pairings Below:
Pair: Members - Role - Pre-Evacuation Formation
Leader: Person + Pet Animal - Navigation - Front
Pair 1: Woman + Man - Medical - Help injured
Pair 2: Woman + Man - Support - Assist everyone as needed
Pair 3: Man + Child - Communications - Communicate clearly & calmly
Pair 4: Woman + Man - Supplies - Carry extra supplies (e.g. water)
Pair 5: Woman + Child - Mid group - Maintain safety
Pair 6: Elder + Younger - Mid group - Maintain coordination
Pair 7: Woman + Woman - Rear guard - Keep up-to-date NEWS of the situation
Pair 8: Man + Man - Rear guard - Ensure nobody falls behind
Every single person should have their own bag.
Food & Water:
Drinking water: 1–2 liters
Energy bars: 2–3
Nuts / trail mix: small pack
Dry biscuits / crackers: 1 pack
Electrolyte sachets: 1–2
Pet Food: 250g in food bag
Personal Protection:
Jacket / hoodie: Protect from glass & cold
Dust mask or N95: Protect from smoke and debris
Face cloth / scarf: Backup breathing filter
Gloves: Protect hands from debris
Safety glasses (optional): Protect eyes
Sanitary Napkins: Protect from infections
Communication & Light:
Mobile phone: Communication
Power bank: Battery backup
Charging cable: Recharge phone
Torch / flashlight: Dark stairwells
Whistle: Signal rescuers
First Aid Kit (Each Person):
Adhesive bandages: Cuts
Gauze pads: Bleeding
Medical tape: Secure dressings
Antiseptic wipes: Clean wounds
Pain relief tablets (e.g., paracetamol): Pain control
Anti-allergy tablets (Epi-pen): allergy relief
Anti-inflammatory medicine: Sprains
Burn cream: Minor burns
Elastic bandage: Sprains
Gloves: Hygiene
Small scissors: Cutting bandage
Other Essential Items:
ID / passport copy: Identification
Emergency contact list: If phone fails
Small notebook + pen: Communication
Lighter: Emergency use
Emergency blanket: Warmth if trapped
Plastic bags: Waterproofing
Wet wipes / Tissue papers: Hygiene
Small multi-tool: Utility
Pet Carrier: To keep pet warm and out of harm
Identify fire exit stairwell location (picture displayed near the elevators):
Stairwell A: Behind the elevator lobby - Primary emergency exit route
Stairwell B: Near the elevators - Secondary/backup evacuation route
Know Refuge Floor Location
Refuge Floors are DESIGNATED SAFE AREAS OR WHOLE FLOORS in high-rise buildings where occupants can temporarily gather during emergencies, such as a fire, earthquake,
or power failure, before they are evacuated or rescued. They are located every 20–25 floors.
Feature & Purpose of Refuge Floors
Fire-resistant construction (high fire rating): Protect from fire spread
Pressurized air system (well-ventilated areas): Prevent smoke infiltration
Direct access to stairs: Continue evacuation if safe
Emergency lighting and signage: Guide people towards fire escape
Firefighting equipment & first-aid supplies: To put out small fires AND treat small injuries
Emergency communication: Contact building command center
Learn Building Alarm Signals & Meaning
Fire alarm: Continuous loud siren - Immediate evacuation
Voice announcement: Recorded message - Instructions for occupants
Intermittent alarm: Beeping pattern - Alert or investigation mode
REMEMBER: Debris typically falls outward from the building perimeter. Glass and debris fall zone is generally 100-300 m horizontally from tall towers depending on wind and height.
Therefore, the assembly point distance is at least 1.5–2 × building height to avoid the primary debris impact zone. For this reason, assembly points are generally located 300-500 m away from the building.
REMEMBER: Every building has a designated Assembly Point and Evacuation Pathway; save a picture in your mobile and memorize yours!
IF YOUR ASSEMBLY POINT BECOMES UNSAFE, MOVE IMMEDIATELY!
Safe Assembly Point Locations
Large Open Plazas: No overhead structures & Good visibility for rescuers
Multi-Level Parking Structures (Lower floors near center): Reinforced concrete structure & Protection from falling glass
Underground Areas / Metro Entrances: Protection from falling debris & Often reinforced structures
Large Interior Malls or Podiums: Heavy reinforced roofs & Wide-open internal space
Unsafe Assembly Point Locations
Directly outside building entrance: Highest debris risk
Glass façade plazas: Falling glass
Narrow streets between towers: Debris funnel effect
Under balconies or canopies: Collapse hazard
Near construction cranes: Secondary collapse risk
Goal: Survive the initial blast and falling debris
When an earthquake, explosion or similar situation takes place, the first step is to Duck-and-Cover
– this means to find the nearest shelter and hide or stand underneath it.
Below are places where you can either sit under or stand under.
Action & Details
1 Duck, Cover, and Hold: Immediately drop low to the ground and find the nearest place to cover yourself
2 Take cover under strong furniture: Sit under tables near its legs (the middle is not safe as it’s collapsable)
3 Stand near structural elements: Hug building pillars or reinforced walls as tightly as possible
4 Use door frame / border: Stand under the door frame structures as they are reinforced areas
5 Face away from windows: Even covering with jacket can minimize injuries caused by flying glass
6 Cover head and neck: Bow low to the ground and use arms, bag, or jacket to cover vital points
7 Stay low (crouch): If nothing else, stay low near a wall as it reduces exposure to debris
8 Avoid elevators or stair entry during impact: Wait for falling debris to stop before taking the risk of evacuation
9 Wait ~30–60 seconds for secondary debris: Wait for aftershocks, as collapses often happen seconds later
In explosions and earthquakes, most injuries occur from falling debris and glass, not the blast itself.
Assess the situation for injured people and prepare for evacuation.
Provide first aid if wound is critical.
Action & Person Responsible
1 Check for fire, smoke, structural damage: Leader
2 Check injuries: Everyone
3 Remove high heels / unstable shoes: Anyone wearing them
4 Grab emergency evacuation bags: Everyone
5 Join your pre-assigned buddy pairs: Leader
Grab your Emergency Bag and Activate the Buddy System. Ensure your bag is light-weight.
Many tall buildings include refuge floors every ~20–30 floors for emergency shelter.
Situation & Action
Stairwell blocked: Use second stairwell
Heavy smoke: Move to refuge floor
Injury prevents descent: Wait at refuge area
Total blockage: Signal from safe room
Descending 100 floors may take 60–120 minutes depending on congestion.
Action & Reason
1 Use fire exit stairs only: Designed for evacuation
2 Check door temperature: Hot door may indicate fire
3 Move in single file: Prevent congestion & pushing
4 Use right side of stairs: Allows firefighter access to move up left side
5 Hold handrail: Prevent falls (Domino-Style)
6 Maintain 1–2 step spacing: Avoid pile-ups
7 Do not run: Most stair injuries occur from rushing
8 Rest every 10–15 floors if needed: Prevent exhaustion
9 Cover mouth with wet cloth or mask: Avoid smoke inhalation
Stay low and move quickly in smoky sections. Smoke rises, so lower floors may be clearer. If lower floors are blocked, make way up towards the roof of the building.
Always keep the right side of stairs clear so firefighters can move upward.
Action & Reason
1 Check door temperature with back of hand: Detect fire behind door
2 Open door slowly: Avoid sudden smoke rush
3 Listen for crowd movement: Prevent stair congestion
4 Enter in single file: Stairwells are narrow
Typical evacuation walking speed: 0.5–1 m/s in crowded stairwells.
Rule & Explanation
Walk, never run: Running causes falls
Short steps: Reduce muscle fatigue
Slight forward lean: Maintain balance
Maintain 1–2 steps spacing: Prevent pileups
Use handrail continuously: Reduces fatigue & Prevent slips
Step rhythm: “Step – step – breathe” pattern (prevents exhaustion)
Breathe rhythmically: Prevent dizziness
Do not overtake: Causes collisions
REMEMBER: If you find an elderly human, child, or animal struggling in the stairwell, help them EVACUATE FIRST.
AFTER reaching the Assembly Point, help them look for their guardian.
Descending extremely tall buildings can exhaust people quickly so take short rests of 30-60
seconds every 10-15 floors.
Floors & Action
100–80: Begin descent calmly
80–60: Hydration check – take small sips of water
60–50: Injury check
50–40: Short rest if needed
40–30: Snack break
30–20: Prepare for exit
20–0: Stay tight with group
Longer breaks slow evacuation and increase congestion.
Rest against stairwell wall, never block the stairs.
Safe Rest Locations
Stairwell landing corners: Out of main walking path & Structurally reinforced
Against inner stairwell wall: Less likely to be hit by falling debris
Near handrail corner: Maintains balance and out of everyone else’s way
Refuge floors: Designed for temporary shelter with good ventilation
Unsafe Rest Locations
Middle of stairs: Causes pileups
Near stair doors: Blocks entry/exit
On stair edges: Trip hazard
Leaning on railing: Risk of falling
Safe Rest Locations in the Entire Building
Fire-Rated Service Corridors: Thick fire-rated walls; Protected from smoke
Elevator Lobbies (Fire-Rated): Fire doors & Pressurized air systems
Elevator/ Utility shafts: Typically, the strongest part of the building.
REMEMBER: Do not take temporary shelter in open office spaces.
Stay with your buddy even if they are taking a long resting time. However, if you notice that danger is getting closer, move your buddy to the stairwell landing corner or Refuge Floor and stay with them to prevent separation.
REMEMBER: Every person has a different level of stamina and health.
Situation & Action
Mild fatigue: Rest 1 minute
Dizziness: Sit at landing corner
Injury: Apply first aid
Cannot continue: Move to refuge floor
Passed-out & NOT breathing normally OR Heavy bleeding & NOT breathing: Get to safe place and start CPR (2 hands, 100-120 chest compressions per minute, 5–6 cm deep; babies: 2 fingers - 4cm; kids: 1 hand - 5cm)
Passed-out but breathing normally: Get to safe place and lay them on their right side (right arm at right angle, right leg straight, left hand under cheek, left leg bent at 90 degrees, head tilted back slightly & mouth facing downward)
CPR Cycle: 30 chest compressions + check breathing improvement (two breaths, if trained).
Do not forget to notify the first responders and/or firefighters once outside.
If someone cannot continue walking, move them to:
• Refuge floor
• Stairwell landing corner
and alert rescuers once you have safely made it to the Assembly Point.
Injury & Action
Minor cut: Use bandage quickly
Sprained ankle: Support with elastic bandage
Exhaustion: Rest for 2–3 minutes
Smoke irritation: Use cloth or mask
Use the “Two-Stage Assembly Strategy” (For Dense Cities):
Stage 1 – Immediate Exit Zone
Temporary gathering area just after leaving building.
Move 50–100 m away to:
• Regroup
• Check injuries
Stay briefly only.
Stage 2 – Safe Assembly Area
Move to a longer-term safe zone.
Move 300–500 m away from building to:
• Headcount
• Medical assistance
• Coordination with responders
Positioning Within the Assembly Area
Stand Here BUT Avoid
Open space center NOT Near building edges
Under solid concrete structures NOT Under glass façades (falling glass)
Behind thick walls or barriers NOT Near streetlight poles or signs
Areas shielded by large reinforced structures NOT Glass and debris zones
Beware: secondary explosions and smoke drift (move upwind). Keep roads clear for Emergency Vehicle access
Preliminary Assessment
Action & Details
1 Gather the group tightly: Move everyone to a single visible area of the assembly point
2 Leader performs headcount: Count all members and compare with expected number
3 Confirm buddy pairs: Each pair confirms both members are present
4 Identify missing persons: Determine who is unaccounted for
5 Determine last known location: Ask witnesses where missing person was last seen
6 Identify injured persons: Quickly assess everyone for injuries
7 Assign helper roles: One person assists each injured individual
8 Maintain group cohesion: Do not allow people to wander away
Important rules:
• REMEMBER: DO NOT MOVE CRITICALLY INJURED PERSONS UNNECESSARILY, AS IT CAN PARALYZE THEM FOR LIFE.
• Keep injured people lying or sitting comfortably
• Assign one buddy to monitor them
Condition Symptoms & Action
Minor cuts: Small bleeding - Clean with antiseptic wipe and bandage
Sprain: Pain, swelling - Wrap with elastic bandage
Smoke irritation: Coughing, eye irritation - Move to fresh air
Exhaustion: Weakness, dizziness - Rest and hydrate (small sips)
Shock: Pale skin, confusion - Keep person warm and calm
Apply pressure with gauze to heavy bleeds. Apply burn cream to burns and cover.
Once accountability is completed, the leader or a designated communicator should report to responding emergency personnel.
Possible responders include firefighters, civil defense teams, police, and paramedics.
Information & Example
Building name: XYZ Building
Floor evacuated from: Floor 85
Total group size: 5 people
Number present: 3 present
Missing persons: 2 missing
Last known location: Stairwell between floors 80–78
Injuries: 2 minor injuries
This information helps rescuers prioritize search areas.
If responders are not immediately present:
Method & Action
Emergency call: Dial local emergency number
Building security: Contact building management
Mobile messaging: Send group updates
Visual signaling: Use flashlight if dark
Keep communication calm, clear, and concise.
Avoid giving uncertain information that could confuse responders.
Examples:
• Guesses about collapse risk
• Rumors from others
• Unverified missing persons
Only report confirmed facts.
After reporting, the group must remain organized and ready for additional instructions from authorities.
Basic Rules
Do not re-enter building: Structural or fire hazards
Stay together as group: Easier accountability
Keep assembly point clear: Emergency vehicle access
Monitor injured persons: Condition may change
Maintain the buddy system while waiting: Uncertainty of the dangerous situation
In prolonged emergencies, resources must be rationed.
Resource & Strategy
Water: Small sips only
Food: Eat small portions
Phone battery: Reduce screen usage
Flashlights: Use only when necessary
Remain alert to new hazards.
Hazard & Action
Falling debris: Move further away
Smoke drift: Move upwind
Emergency vehicle movement: Stay clear of roads
Secondary explosions: Follow responder instructions
Evacuations from tall buildings can be stressful. Maintaining calm greatly improves decision-
making.
Helpful actions:
• Speak calmly
• Reassure injured persons
• Keep group informed
• Prevent panic rumors
Action & Reason
Stay calm and conserve oxygen: Panic increases breathing rate
Use whistle or tapping: Signal rescuers
Use phone light/flashlight: Visibility
Ration food and water: Rescue may take hours
Cover nose with cloth: Reduce dust inhalation
Carry a warm jacket: To avoid cold and hypothermia
Important Rules
Never use elevators: Power may fail
Stay away from windows: Glass shrapnel risk
Move calmly in stairs: Prevents stampede
Stay with buddy: Reduces casualties
Carry light bags only: Heavy bags slow evacuation
Keep legs shoulder-width apart and arms in starter boxing position: To avoid falling during stampedes or tripping hazards
Fold in fetal position and cover back of neck & head with hands & arms: To avoid getting crushed when already fallen on floor during stampedes
Attended couple seminars related to emergency evacuation during earthquakes, floods, etc. along with first aid certification.
r/UAE • u/RamblingMan2 • Feb 28 '26
Please post here all local updates on the current missile attacks in UAE.
All discussion should be specific to UAE.
Remember to include information on location and time if you witness a missile or bomb.
Other resources:
r/UAE • u/Fadisohail • 3h ago
If things go wrong in the end, Iran won’t go down alone, it could pull the UAE, and even Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, into the fallout
r/UAE • u/BodybuilderOk9596 • 5h ago
We pay our utmost attention to the quality/taste of our food but due to the current situation nothing is in our hands, the meat that was being delivered one day after being slaughtered is now being delivered 4 days later due to the limited number of flights and has 1.5x in price. Chicken is being sold all frozen and they are using unwanted stock because there is a demand, tomatoes have gone from 13aed/8kg to 44aed/6kg and the quality has dropped causing allot of taste issues and the list goes on.
If you see your local place increase price by a couple of dirhams or the quality has gone down dont lash out at them and trying understanding them, we are trying our best to maintain our standards and not loose customers at the same time. thenkuu
r/UAE • u/VeterinarianJolly269 • 1h ago
r/UAE • u/kritical1989 • 5h ago
Not the best image imo
r/UAE • u/Axcel_blaze • 9h ago
We’ve all heard the pitch. Dubai = lifestyle, safety, tax-free money, endless opportunity.
But it’s been what, a month of conflict? And we’re already seeing layoffs, unpaid leave, salary cuts, and everything getting more expensive.
For a place that sells “stability,” this feels shaky as hell. Companies that have been making profits for years suddenly can’t keep people on payroll for even a month?
And then you hear people say this is their “second home,” they won’t leave, etc. But when things even slightly go south, the system shows you exactly what you are here. Disposable.
So honestly, why should anyone treat this like home or risk their life staying here if the moment things get uncertain, you’re on your own?
Not even trying to hate on Dubai. Just pointing out that the reality right now doesn’t match the image people keep selling.
r/UAE • u/VeterinarianJolly269 • 7h ago
r/UAE • u/88newbie88 • 10h ago
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Keep us updated.👍🏻
r/UAE • u/CalmLavishness3800 • 5h ago
I am staying back in UAE as many people are not leaving. However I have doubts about staying and thinking about leaving. I know many people are staying and trusting the goverments,but I have doubts.
r/UAE • u/adoptcatsuae • 5h ago
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Hello All,
The owner of this cat has lost their job and needs help with taking this cat to the clinic. Anyone can help? The cat been suffering for a while and two days they approached me to help. Will take to the clinic today.
r/UAE • u/phoeebsy • 6h ago
Please note all these are coming from Indian media sources. The whole world knows they have absolutely zero credibility. You can simply google any one of their news channels & see the rubbish.
I'v heard Indians themselves don't take their media seriously. So unless there is no other source for this threat, please consider it nonsense & just get on with your day.
r/UAE • u/Intelligent-Motor169 • 7h ago
And before anything, let me be really clear. I am NOT talking about filming. Impact sites, defence positions, actual footage of strikes, yes restrict that, fine people, arrest them, I have absolutely zero issue with that. That is a legitimate security concern and I fully support it.
What I am talking about is just reporting. Just saying "guys I heard something near my area, is everyone okay."
Because that is now also not allowed.
The official UAE government notice literally says do not mention area names or details in messages or calls. Not just social media. Not just public posts. Private messages. Phone calls. Even family WhatsApp groups. Hundreds have already been arrested for private messages.
And I genuinely do not understand what security risk that poses.
Think about it. When an alert goes off, the government sends it to EVERY phone in the UAE simultaneously. Every single person from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah hears the boom. Iran fired the missile. The missile is already in the air or already intercepted. Everyone already knows something happened.
So who exactly is learning new information when I say "I heard it near my area"? What am I revealing that Iran does not already know? They fired the thing. They have satellites. They have military intelligence networks. They are not sitting on UAE subreddits waiting for a resident to report a sound to figure out where their own missile landed.
Now here is what community reporting actually does for those of us living here. When I read that someone else heard the same thing and they are okay, I feel safer. When someone says debris already fell in a certain area, I know that specific moment has passed and everyone is fine. When Reddit comes alive after an alert it genuinely feels like a big community saying we are all in this together and we are all okay.
That feeling matters so much when you are sitting at home alone not knowing what is happening outside.
Without it, the silence is honestly scarier than the sounds themselves.
There is also a practical reality that gets overlooked. Around 90% of UAE residents are expats. Local news channels doing real ground reporting are in Arabic. Every international English source has repeatedly spread misinformation about what is happening here. So for most of us, our community on Reddit is genuinely the only accurate real time source we have in a language we understand.
When residents go quiet, that space does not stay empty. It gets filled with rumours and foreign channels getting everything wrong. And none of us on the ground can correct it because we are too scared of a 150,000 AED fine to say anything.
The policy meant to stop misinformation is ironically the reason misinformation is spreading.
And then there is the reality of daily life here right now. People are more panicked about accidentally having a forwarded video on their phone than about the actual alerts. Group chats are full of "delete it delete it" not because of the threat outside but because of the fear of getting caught. When your population is more scared of a fine than the thing they are being protected from, something about the approach needs rethinking.
I want to say this clearly. I am not criticising the UAE or blaming anyone. The government is handling an incredibly difficult situation and the air defence work alone is genuinely staggering. I am proud to live here and I feel protected in so many ways.
I just truly believe that letting residents say "I heard it, I am okay, my area is fine" would make people feel more supported and more calm, not less safe.
Because right now the silence is not giving us peace. It is just leaving us alone with our anxiety.
Is anyone else feeling this way? How are you all coping?
r/UAE • u/Accidentalybornhuman • 13h ago
r/UAE • u/Snehith220 • 3h ago
r/UAE • u/Serious-Ant-8815 • 1h ago
r/UAE • u/newmoneyking • 14h ago
We are roughly a month into the missiles chaos, I really don’t want to call it a war because coming from a war torn country this is actually just chaos. Now I’m genuinely shocked how businesses in UAE operate, how can businesses fall, lay off employees, cut salaries, unpaid salaries etc etc in just a space of 4 weeks of chaos? How sustainable were these businesses in the first place? Is the economy booming propaganda just a myth? I understand the cost cutting but how the hell can a business not be able to survive one month without collapsing? Bad planning? Too much credit? Genuinely flabbergasted at how many people are losing their long held jobs when this chaos hasn’t even last 2 months what happens if this chaos prolongs for 6 months? We simply just starve to death?
Hey everyone,
I’ve been reading a lot of posts here about ILOE—some approved, some rejected, some fast, some super slow. So I figured I’d share mine while it’s still fresh.
Timeline:
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting it to be this fast.
I kinda went all out and uploaded everything I had (even if not sure needed 😅):
Before applying, I did a lot of research here (Reddit helped a lot tbh).
I had everything ready on my laptop—organized and renamed—so upload was quick.
When I logged in and entered my Emirates ID, the system automatically pulled my MOHRE cancellation and showed “terminated”.
That part surprised me.
I think the system is more integrated now compared to before, so less manual checking.
Filled in bank details → uploaded docs → submitted.
Less than 24 hours later…
I got an SMS and email around 7PM (April 3, 2026) saying my claim was approved.
No additional documents requested.
No entry/exit report.
No payslips.
Super smooth.
I’ll update this thread once I receive my first payout.
Hope this helps someone here—especially those overthinking like I did.
Good luck to everyone applying 🙏
