For many students and teachers, hearing fire alarms is often a sign that their day will be interrupted by a routine drill. Although the procedure seems commonplace, it’s often a school’s best way of protecting occupants from injury and property from extensive damage. In the following article, explore why fire drills are carried out and a few ways to help your school make the most of them.

Why Are Fire Drills Important?

Even with modern, fire-safe building materials, flames are behind billions of dollars in property damage and thousands of injuries every year in the United States. When a fire alarm sets off, it can easily cause panic and confusion in large groups, such as student bodies, with teachers and kids rushing to safety.

Drills help all occupants of schools know the quickest and safest route out of a building. Through these practices, they also learn of a secure area where they can be accounted for if an incident occurs. Additionally, these measures prevent younger children from becoming frightened or confused when they hear fire alarms.

It falls to school administrators to schedule fire drills. During these routines, they must assess how quickly and efficiently students and teachers can vacate school buildings. Other responsibilities include reminding students of what the alarms sound like and their nearest evacuation routes and assembly sites.

How Do You Carry Out Fire Drills?

Before conducting a fire drill, create an emergency evacuation plan, including the nearest exits and assembly points to each classroom on the school’s grounds. Involve teachers and other staff members when developing this plan. They may be more aware of potential problems or safety issues in different building parts and can suggest alternative paths.

Next, prepare maps listing nearby evacuation routes and post them around your school. As a rule, each room or area should have at least two designated paths to account for the possibility that one may be impossible or unsafe to use during an incident. Maps should also list the nearest assembly points, which should be marked with clear signs.

Once you’ve created a plan, hold drills at random intervals throughout the school year. Teachers should be familiar with escape routes and lead their classes quickly and calmly to designated meeting points. They should also periodically remind their students of the maps showing fire safety procedures.

Keep your school grounds safe and prepared for any eventuality with help from the team at GMW Fire Protection in Anchorage, AK. For over 15 years, they’ve provided high-quality fire alarms to schools throughout the state to warn kids of all ages and teachers of the possibility of danger. Call (907) 336-5000 to discuss your school’s needs, and visit their website to learn more about their products and services.