Fire Exit Drills as a Learning Experience
Fire is always unexpected. It demands fast decisions followed by
quick action in an environment that's smoke filled with darkened exit routes
and intense heat. Think of each fire drill as an opportunity for learning
something new. Here are a few suggestions...
1. Conduct regular drills...at
least four time a year.
2. Gradually increase the realism
of your file drills by...
A. Conducting some of your drills unannounced, and involving
your customers in the drill.
B. Inviting the fire department to participate.
C. "Hiding" employees in the building...to see
if they're discovered missing and then assisted out of the building.
D. Posting a sign inside one of the exit stairwells indicating
the stairwell is blocked by smoke and a different exit route must be used.
E. Place a cardboard box decorated with red flames to
show where the "fire" is located. Evaluate how occupants respond
to the fire.
3. Critique every fire drill,
looking for ways to improve. See next page. | 