Surviving a fire might mean fast decisions followed by quick action in an environment that's smoke filled with darkened exit routes and intense heat. Equipping the members of your organization with a fire emergency plan is a good start. However, we remember things we practice or use regularly. Since it is hoped that you will not regularly use your fire emergency plan for real emergencies, it is a good idea to practice it periodically. Here are a few suggestions:
Conduct Regular Drills: Have fire drills at least four times a year. Make sure all the members of your organization know and understand that they are expected to take the situation seriously and put their entire part of the plan into operation, drill or not.
Gradually Increase the Realism of Your Fire Drills:
- Conduct some unannounced drills.
- Invite the fire department to participate.
- "Hide" employees in the building...to see if they're discovered missing, assisted out of the building, etc.
- Post a sign inside one of the exit stairwells indicating the stairwell is blocked by smoke and a different exit route must be used.
- Use a cardboard box decorated with red flames to show where the "fire" is located. Evaluate how the occupants respond to the fire.
Critique Every Drill: Look for ways to improve. Look for problems that arose which were not considered during the tabletop-planning portion. Ask your Emergency Team members for their feedback as well. Use this sample evaluation form to develop your organization's personal critique.