Fire Drills

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Permalink Reply by Jason Burzynski on August 31, 2010 at 9:11am

- We use a stopwatch to see how long it takes for everyone to exit the building- safely!

- We block off one random exit, saying it is compromised by fire, to make sure people are aware of and use their secondary route(s)

- We debrief after to make sure if anyone has any questions or concerns, they are addressed

Our safety committee has radios that we use to coordinate the effort and headcounts. I would consider every fire drill a success as long as people exit the building in an orderly fashion. We have a little over 100 people onsite and we can evacuate in just under 2 minutes.

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Permalink Reply by Scott Schneider on September 1, 2010 at 5:50pm

Jason, that blocking an exit is a good idea. I think I am going to use that one.

We have an emergency response and recovery plan. I like to hold a drill when the Operations Director is not in. To see if the second and third in charge know what they are to do.

My criteria for a fire drill to be a success is if everyone is out and in the collection areas within 3 minutes.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Balduzzi on September 3, 2010 at 1:35pm

Good responses so far.....
I had a multi building complex crossed by city streets and had to conduct multiple drills in some unpleasant weather and with recovering drug/alcohol/challenged clients, residents, visitors and staff.

1. Walk through or informational discussions in advance about the purpose and importance of drilling and the criteria they will be judged by so everyone has a basic level of understanding. It also gives people a chance to express and illustrate other concerns/hazards ahead of any unannounced drills. Don't forget the NEO to cover drills.

2. We invite the responding district fire department to participate in the drills on a regular basis and to observe and critique as they see fit. You will get some candid responses here.

3. The predefined evacuation locations are denoted by reflectorized signs and numbered. You may also consider removing one of more of these to simulate an unsafe condition or gathering place due to fire or other undefined hazard. See how they act to seek out safe alternatives.

4. Prepositioned Daypack, Reflectorized Vests, Sign In Sheets, Radios, Flashlights, Cell Phones (Emergency Use) Fire Drill Checklists (simple is best), Emergency Phone Number Lists can be located for Fire Wardens to take on the fly. see if people use the gear or try to hide the fact they have it.....replace those people insufficiently assertive enough to take the drill seriously.

5. Pick fire wardens that are likely to be available and that can be assertive and can act under stress of a real fire or other evacuation purpose if required.

6. Train those using radios how to talk properly and operate the radios being used. Under stress many people fail to function and radio communications can be frustrating. We had a printed Tool Box Talk on how to properly talk, what to say and why discipline was needed. Just a few plain language "codes" are best otherwise confusion will prevail.
Mark

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Permalink Reply by Jason Burzynski on September 3, 2010 at 2:39pm

Hi Mark,

Anyway you could post or email me the Toolbox Talk on radio communication?

jasonburzynski@printron.com

Thanks in advance if you can!

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