When firefighters arrive at a restaurant, they need a fast picture of what is happening and what systems, fuels and hazards may be involved. Managers can help by keeping basic information organized before an incident instead of relying on one person’s memory during a stressful response.
Restaurant Emergency Information Quick Sheet
A fill-in one-page reference for organizing the information managers may need during an emergency response.
Give the exact location and best access point
Multi-unit plazas, malls, mixed-use buildings and large hospitality sites can make restaurant access less obvious. Confirm the full address, unit/location details, primary firefighter entrance and any keys/access process.
Describe what happened without guessing
Tell responding crews what staff observed: smoke/fire location, equipment involved, whether the fixed kitchen suppression system activated, whether the fire alarm activated, and whether everyone is believed to be out. Avoid speculation when the actual condition is unknown.
Communicate fire-protection system status
If the kitchen suppression system, fire alarm or sprinkler system is impaired or has recently been serviced, provide known information. Managers should know where relevant panels/manual devices are located but should not operate equipment beyond their training and authorization.
Know utility and fuel information
Gas, propane, electrical equipment and other fuels may influence the response. Keep the location of relevant shutoffs and fuel/storage areas documented where applicable, but do not direct untrained employees to enter hazardous areas or operate shutoffs during an emergency.
Identify unusual hazards
Lithium-ion battery charging, EV equipment, propane cylinders, flammable materials, renovation work or other site-specific hazards may be important to firefighters. Include these on the emergency-information sheet when they apply to the restaurant.
Keep the sheet current and accessible
Review it after equipment changes, renovations, contact changes or system changes. Keep it where trained and authorized managers can access it quickly without returning to an unsafe area.
Frequently asked questions
Should employees wait for firefighters before evacuating?
No. Follow the restaurant emergency procedure. Evacuation and emergency notification should not be delayed while collecting information.
Should staff shut off gas or electricity during a fire?
Only if that action is part of their training, authorization and site procedure and can be performed safely. The quick sheet primarily identifies information and locations.
Does the form replace a Fire Safety Plan or emergency plan?
No. It is a supplemental one-page organizer for managers and responding crews.