The GRAND Theatre Society: Emergency Response and Fire Safety Manual

Welcome to The GRAND Theatre, where the safety of our guests, performers, and staff is paramount. This document is designed to offer essential details on our evacuation protocols, fire exit locations, alarm systems, and safety measures. We encourage you to take a moment to acquaint yourself with this guide, ensuring a safe and pleasant experience at The GRAND.

LOCATION: The GRAND, 608 1st Street SW, Calgary, AB, Canada T2P 1M6

MAIN PHONE: 403-205-2922

EMAIL:  Info@thegrandyyc.ca

Fire and Safety Equipment Locations

Ensuring quick and efficient response to emergencies is crucial for the safety of everyone in The GRAND Theatre. For your safety, we have strategically placed a variety of fire and safety equipment throughout the venue. Familiarizing yourself with these locations is an important step in ensuring your own safety as well as the safety of others during an emergency.

Fire Extinguishers: Located at every exit point, in the kitchen area, and backstage. Each extinguisher is mounted on the wall and clearly marked.

Fire Alarm Pull Stations: Positioned next to every marked exit throughout the venue. Pull stations are brightly colored and easily accessible in case of an emergency.

First Aid Kits: Available at the Front of House manager's office, in the backstage area, and within each dressing room. Each kit is stocked with essentials such as bandages, antiseptics, and gloves.

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): The GRAND does not have an onsite AED.

Emergency Lighting: Installed in all corridors, stairwells, and public spaces to ensure safe evacuation routes are clearly illuminated during a power outage or when regular lighting fails.

Smoke Detectors and Fire Sprinklers: Positioned throughout the venue, including all public areas, backstage, and dressing rooms to quickly detect and respond to the presence of smoke or fire.


Emergency Contacts

In the event of an emergency, The GRAND's staff is expertly trained to guarantee the safety of all participants. The team members designated to your event will be outlined in the Arrival document and/or show notes provided to you one day before your arrival. Following their instructions is imperative for everyone's safety. For immediate assistance or to report a safety concern, please contact the Front of House Manager on the day of your event.

Allied REIT Building Emergency 24/7 Phone: (587) 352-0444

Call 9-1-1 in an emergency when there is an immediate threat to your health and/or safety. (e.g., fire, see or smell smoke, medical emergencies, crimes in progress, an accident that has caused injury, life threatening situation, etc.).

403.998.7388 - HELP team (formerly DOAP) - Unhoused individuals in a vulnerable state (having a poor mental health moment, intoxicated and/or using drugs in a public space, stumbling down the street, stepping into traffic), trespassing (sleeping in the doorway of a business), in need of transportation.

403.266.1234 - Police non-emergency - Call for non-emergency situations that require a police response such as non-injury accidents, missing persons, stolen vehicles or license plates, break and enters after they have happened.

Fire Exits


To minimize the risk of incidents during evacuation drills, the following precautions are essential. Please familiarize yourself with the exits and layout of the building using the diagram provided below. 

The designated emergency exits, found in each of the four corners of the Theatre Box, are marked by illuminated signs and labeled ‘2, 3, 4, and 5’ as illustrated below.

Additionally, the main staircase connecting Level 1 to Level 2 is labeled ‘1’.

Evacuation egress from each level of the building is as follows:

  • Basement 1 (Dressing Rooms, Kitchen, etc.): Use exits 2 and 3.

  • Level 1 (Theatre and Lobby): Accessible through exits 1, 2, 3, and 4.

  • Level 2 (Theatre and Lobby): Directly through exits 3 and 5, and indirectly via exit 2 using staircase 1.

  • Level 3 (Offices): Through exits 2 and 3.

  • Level 3 (Studio): Through exits 2 and 5.

  • Level 4 (Miscellaneous Technical Rooms): Via exit 5.

  • Level 5 (Technical Grid): Through exits 3 and 5.

*It’s imperative to keep these exits free from obstructions. Doors to these exits must remain closed yet unblocked at all times. Should you observe any violations, promptly report them to The Director of Events, Front of House Manager or a Warden.

Alarm Systems

The Fire Alarm System at The GRAND functions in a two-stage process:

First Stage Alarm: Characterized by 'intermittent ringing,' which importantly does not activate within the Theatre Box or the nearby corridors. This stage can be triggered by the building's remote detection systems or through manual activation at pull stations. It serves as a 'Warning Phase,' prompting an investigation into the potential threat and preparing occupants for possible evacuation.

Second Stage Alarm: This stage is marked by 'continuous ringing' that permeates the entire building, including the Theatre Box. It automatically activates within five minutes following the first stage alarm, marking the 'Evacuation Phase' and signaling that occupants should safely exit the building.


Evacuation Procedures

Muster Point: Should there be a need to evacuate the premises, individuals will be guided to the Suncor Building's forecourt, located on 6th just north of our building. During adverse weather conditions, the Suncor Building's interior public lobby will function as a temporary shelter for evacuees.

Fire Discovery Protocol:

  1. Immediately activate the nearest fire alarm pull station and provide verbal alerts if necessary.

  2. When evacuating, promptly inform GRAND staff of the fire's location.

  3. As you exit, help contain the fire and smoke by ensuring doors are closed behind you.

First-Stage Alarm Response (Warning):

  1. Cease all work activities immediately. Stay in the Theatre if safe, or remain in the Dressing Room or Green Room.

  2. Secure any valuables and turn off electrical devices.

  3. Wait for further instructions from the Fire Warden or their assistant.

Procedure for First Stage Alarm for individuals within the Theatre:

  1. In the event of a First Stage Alarm, no alarm will sound inside the Flanagan Theatre itself. This is to avoid disrupting activities with unnecessary noise in the event of a false alarm. Instead, Stage Management will receive a notification from a Warden that a First Stage Alarm has been activated, advising them to prepare for a possible evacuation.

  2. Should the need to evacuate the Theatre arise, technicians will gradually lower the sound and turn on the work lights. Following this, a member of the Backstage team, Front of House, or a Warden will come onstage to announce the evacuation. This action may happen before or simultaneously with the activation of the Second Stage Alarm.

Second Stage Alarm (Evacuation), or upon encountering a threat to your safety:

  • Proceed to the closest emergency exit by following the illuminated exit signs. If smoke, fire, or lack of adequate lighting impedes your way out, use the alternate emergency exit. Do not carry anything while exiting.

  • Close doors behind you as you exit, but do not lock them, and ensure that you proceed quickly but without running. Do not use the elevator.

  • When you reach the ground floor, exit away from the building towards the designated meeting point. Quickly clear fire laneway and entry points to the building so as not to impede fire fighter access.

  • Upon reaching the meeting point, liaise with Stage Management for an attendance check and further instruction.

  • Do not re-enter the building until advised to, after the cause of the alarm has been determined and investigated by the Fire Department and an “ALL CLEAR” signal is given to Stage Management by a Warden.

Key Points to Remember:

  • Stay Calm: It's crucial to remain composed in any emergency situation. Panicking can cause injuries and confusion.

  • Exit Promptly: If you hear an evacuation alarm, exit the building swiftly without stopping to collect personal items.

  • Identify Nearest Exits: Make it a priority to know the nearest exits upon your arrival at The GRAND. In case of an emergency, use the closest exit.

  • Avoid Elevators: Always use the stairs instead of elevators during an emergency evacuation.

  • Obey Signs and Instructions: Pay attention to illuminated signs and any directions from staff, as they will lead you to safety during an evacuation.

  • Gather at Assembly Points: After exiting, head to the designated assembly points, which are strategically placed at a safe distance from the building to allow emergency services to operate efficiently.

  • Wait for Clearance: Do not attempt to re-enter the building until it has been declared safe by emergency personnel or theatre staff.

Current Assigned Wardens:


Backstage Warden Head of Stage: John Fournier

Front of House Warden(s) Front of House Manager: Rotating Position

FOH Deputy 4, 6, & 7 Ushers: Rotating Position