3 Tips for Conducting Fire Drills at Work

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

A fire drill is an efficient and effective way to prepare your people for the worst

Three Tips To Help You Maximize Drill Effectiveness

In an emergency situation, a solid plan of action helps mitigate disaster and expedite restoration. A fire drill is an excellent way to ensure that employees are properly prepared for the worst and that essential resources are secured. As you're preparing for natural disasters that could happen in the Telford, TN, area and preemptively simplifying your storm cleanup measures, here are three tips to help you think ahead and maximize drill effectiveness.

1. Delineate Communication Strategies

Planning for an emergency can prompt a plethora of important questions:

• How will an emergency be reported?
  
• How will the alarm be sent?
  
• Which people are essential points of contact in various critical situations?
  
• Who is the best source of information if someone has questions about the fire drill or urgent procedures?
  
  

Lay out everything your people need to know, from internal phone numbers and names to essential contacts outside the company. Keep the information in easily accessible locations.

2. Clarify Evacuation Policy

Have escape routes clearly marked in those same accessible locations. How can you make it simpler for employees to get out in a dangerous situation? Who will be shutting down worksite operations that cannot be neglected? These are decisions to make in advance.

3. Delegate Vital Services

Who will be managing the fire extinguisher? What aid or medical services will be available to those outside? Be sure to designate who is responsible for getting any needed rescue kits out of the building.
Similarly, you should consider the cleanup ahead of time, too. While fire itself is obviously destructive, and smoke damage can impede your business operations, be careful not to overlook water damage. Between the water used by the fire department to put out the blaze and the shower from your property's sprinkler system, your workplace may need the help of an experienced water damage restoration company.
A fire drill is an efficient and effective way to prepare your people for the worst. With a plan in place, you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.