> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.security.gallagher.com/command-centre/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.security.gallagher.com/command-centre/visitor-management-powered-by-kenai/evacuation/run-an-evacuation.md).

# Run an evacuation

You run an evacuation from the Kenai dashboard. The trigger starts everything at once: it dispatches the alerts, opens the live roll call, and begins the post-event report. From there you track who is safe, follow up on anyone who needs help, and end the event when everyone is accounted for.

This is the end-to-end operator procedure. For what each status means, see [Evacuation statuses](/command-centre/visitor-management-powered-by-kenai/evacuation/evacuation-statuses.md). For the report you produce afterwards, see [Evacuation reporting and compliance exports](/command-centre/visitor-management-powered-by-kenai/evacuation/evacuation-reporting.md).

## Before you start

* You need safety officer (evacuation) rights on the site.
* Position your check-in kiosk at the muster point so people can sign out there using the same fast paths they use day to day.

## Trigger the evacuation

Start the event for the affected location. The dashboard switches into evacuation mode automatically.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open the Evacuation log

Select **Evacuation** in the left-hand menu.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Start the evacuation

Click **Start Evacuation** for the site. The trigger dispatches the alerts, opens the live roll call, and starts the post-event report together.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

When the event is active, the affected location's view adjusts for a clearer overview and the evacuation icon in the header turns red.

## How alerts reach people

Alerts dispatch simultaneously across **SMS**, **WhatsApp**, and **email**, depending on the contact details on each person's profile. Each alert lets the recipient mark themselves **Safe** or **In Danger**: by SMS they reply *1* for safe or *2* if in danger; by email they tap **SAFE** or **NOT SAFE**. Every response appears on the roll call immediately, and a person can respond on whichever channel is most convenient.

An **In Danger** self-report shows to you on the dashboard as *Needs Assistance*.

{% embed url="<https://app.arcade.software/share/MUNDHWYWi6vOqqofjLnB?embed=true>" %}
Walkthrough: how an evacuation alerts people across SMS, WhatsApp, and email, and how each response updates the dashboard live.
{% endembed %}

## Run the live roll call

The roll call is a live, filtered view of everyone detected onsite with their safety status. It appears on both the **Visitor Log** and the **Employee Logs**, which gain evacuation columns while the event is active. Status tiles across the top (**Needs Assistance**, **Safe**, **No Response**, **Signed Out**, **N/A**) show the live counts.

Use the tiles to focus your view at a muster point:

* Click a tile to filter the list to that status. Click it again to clear the filter.
* Select more than one tile to combine statuses (for example **Needs Assistance** and **No Response** together).
* Compare the filtered count against the total row count for an accurate headcount.
* Standard tools stay available: custom columns, filters, saved views, search, and AI.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** Use the **Needs Assistance** filter to locate anyone who needs help, and the **Safe** filter to confirm who is accounted for.
{% endhint %}

{% embed url="<https://app.arcade.software/share/CZpl04PyEgVAnDZP4VU8?embed=true>" %}
Walkthrough: filtering and prioritising the Visitor Log to drive an accurate roll call at the muster point.
{% endembed %}

{% embed url="<https://app.arcade.software/share/vytKOQXiPMz8FdT1GfiV?embed=true>" %}
Walkthrough: managing employees during a live evacuation from the Employee Logs.
{% endembed %}

## Update a status manually

When someone reports in by phone or in person, set their status on the dashboard.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open the status update

Click the person's status in the **Evacuation** column. The **Update Evacuation Status** dialog opens.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Add a note

Type a note about the update. A note is required on every change.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Set the status

Click **Needs Assistance** or **Safe**. The live counts update and the change is confirmed.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

You can change a status from any state and as often as needed, as long as a note is included each time. Each person's **Response** column opens a **Response History** panel: a full, timestamped audit trail of their status changes and the channel each came through.

{% embed url="<https://app.arcade.software/share/udxjrKpenRgNPmZtiv47?embed=true>" %}
Walkthrough: manually updating a person's evacuation status from the dashboard, with the required note and response history.
{% endembed %}

## Check people in at the muster point

While an evacuation is active, any kiosk sign-in or sign-out registers as a muster event and updates the roll call automatically. People can:

* Sign in at any available kiosk. The **Welcome! Your check in was successful** screen marks them safe when they tap **DONE**.
* Tap their employee cards or access credentials at entry or exit readers, where configured, to be marked safe on entering a designated muster point area, including facial recognition.

{% embed url="<https://app.arcade.software/share/axcyzdGWnU8e8et6os3i?embed=true>" %}
Walkthrough: confirming people are safe at the muster point by signing in at a kiosk.
{% endembed %}

## End the evacuation

Close the event once everyone is accounted for.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open Active Evacuations

In the **Active Evacuations** popup, click **Stop Evacuation** for the site.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Confirm

In the confirmation dialog, click **Stop Evacuation** again. The dialog lists the audiences the event will end for, such as on-site employees and on-site visitors.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

The dashboard returns to its standard view and the evacuation columns and tiles disappear. The completed event, with its logs and report, stays under the **Evacuation** menu.

{% embed url="<https://app.arcade.software/share/JkY3DAFYEgnDnvGBehp1?embed=true>" %}
Walkthrough: stopping an active evacuation and returning the dashboard to its normal state.
{% endembed %}


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