The building suffered heavy damage, dozens of people were injured, and many residents couldn’t evacuate on their own.
The incident became a wake-up call about how quickly an emergency can escalate when there’s confusion or delays.
Situations like this are exactly why fire drills at work matter.
They’re not just routine exercises… they’re a way to make sure everyone knows where to go, how to get there, and what to do when every moment counts.
If you’re looking for a clear, practical guide on running an effective workplace fire drill, this article is for you.
What is a Workplace Fire Drill?
Unlike a casual walk-through, a workplace fire drill is a planned simulation of a fire emergency designed to test how quickly and safely employees can evacuate a building.
It usually consists of:
- Responding to the alarm promptly and without hesitation
- Following designated evacuation routes to reach safe assembly points
- Working with fire wardens or safety officers to ensure all occupants are accounted for
It’s a controlled exercise that lets everyone practice their role and evacuation steps without the risk of a real fire.
This makes it not just a safety measure, but also a key part of meeting legal and regulatory requirements in many industries.
Why Are Fire Drills at Work Important?
Below are the top reasons why fire drills are important in the workplace:
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
In the U.S., many workplaces must follow OSHA’s Emergency Action Plan requirements, which include clear evacuation routes, reporting procedures, and accountability measures.
With around 118,000 nonresidential structure fires reported in 2023—resulting in 1,300 injuries—regular fire drills are more than a formality.
They also show auditors, inspectors, and insurers that your business is serious about safety… and that can help avoid costly fines or penalties.
Employee Safety and Confidence
NIST studies show employees often delay evacuation by 2–4 minutes without prior practice. Drills train staff to respond immediately, follow routes, and assist others.
This repetition reduces panic and builds confidence in real emergencies.
Faster, More Organized Evacuations
Average stair descent speeds in drills range from 0.44 to 0.56 meters per second, and delays can add minutes to evacuation time. Drills help identify bottlenecks and improve coordination.
Following OSHA’s guideline of one evacuation warden per 20 employees speeds up movement and roll calls.
How to Properly Conduct a Fire Drill at Work
Here are the five steps you can use to plan, run, and evaluate your workplace fire drill. This way, your team will always be ready to respond if a fire breaks out.
Step 1 – Notify Key Personnel and Authorities
Start by confirming the chain of command — who can initiate an evacuation, plus wardens and alternates (OSHA recommends one warden per 20 employees).
Before starting…
- Contact your alarm monitoring company to place the system in test mode.
- Call the fire department’s non-emergency line if required, especially in large buildings.
Have evacuation maps, clearly marked exits, and assembly points ready, along with plans for anyone needing assistance.
Step 2 – Communicate the Drill to Staff
Employees should know what to do before, during, and after the drill:
- The alarm sound they’ll hear
- Where to go (designated routes and exits)
- Where to gather outside
Make it inclusive by preparing Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans for people with disabilities or temporary impairments.
Drills should always follow the same core expectations… all work stops, elevators are avoided, and everyone reports directly to the assembly point.
Step 3 – Activate the Alarm and Begin Evacuation
Trigger the building’s alarm system so both audible and visual signals are tested. Wardens should:
- Sweep their assigned areas
- Close doors behind them
- Guide people to the safest stairways
- Lead everyone to the assembly point
Don’t forget… visitors and contractors must be part of the evacuation and accounted for using the visitor log.
Step 4 – Conduct Roll Call and Accountability Checks
At the assembly point, use updated rosters to check attendance. If someone is missing, note their last known location and give that information to the lead coordinator.
Always have backups for wardens and roster holders so accountability is maintained across shifts or absences.
Step 5 – Debrief and Improve Procedures
Immediately after the drill:
- Record key times — alarm activation, first person out, all-clear
- Reset systems and notify the monitoring company that normal operations have resumed
- Address issues identified during the drill
For stronger preparedness, change things up in future drills… block an exit, practice after-hours, or alter start points to test adaptability.
Checklist Example
Here’s a checklist you can use to go through all of the steps we mentioned. That way, you can keep track of everything more efficiently.
Common Workplace Fire Drill Mistakes to Avoid
If you want your fire drills to work, avoid these mistakes that turn them into wasted efforts.
Ignoring the Alarm or Treating the Drill as Optional
When that alarm goes off, you’ve got to move.
If you shrug it off or wait to “see if it’s real,” you’re wasting precious seconds and missing the whole point of the drill — building the habit to respond instantly.
Retrieving Personal Belongings or Distracting Others
This isn’t the time to grab your coffee mug, lunch, or laptop.
Every extra stop slows you down and can mess up the flow for everyone behind you. Keep moving and help keep the line clear.
Skipping Debrief or Post-Drill Improvement
If you just pack up and get back to work without talking about what went well and what didn’t, you’ve missed a huge chance to get better.
Even a quick chat after the drill can help you spot problems and fix them before the real thing.
Conclusion: How We Can Help You With Your Workplace Fire Drill
A fire drill is only effective if it truly prepares your team to respond under pressure, but too often it’s treated as a simple “tick the box” exercise.
That’s when mistakes happen in real emergencies, and that’s why HM Protection steps in so that every fire drill at work counts.
We coach your team before the alarm sounds, set clear and easy-to-follow evacuation rules, and lead focused debriefs that turn mistakes into improvements.
If you’ve been running drills without seeing real readiness in your team, get in touch with us. You can also explore our fire safety services or online training programs to see how we can help you make the next drill your most effective yet.
FAQs
How often should a workplace fire drill be conducted?
Follow local laws and industry rules, but most workplaces should have one to two drills a year. High-risk sites may require quarterly or monthly drills.
Do fire drills need to be announced in advance?
Announced drills help train staff, while unannounced drills test real-time readiness. Using both methods gives the best results.
Who is responsible for organizing a workplace fire drill?
The Fire Warden or Safety Officer usually leads, with support from management or a safety committee.
How do you include employees with disabilities in fire drills?
Have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP), assign helpers, and make routes and alarms accessible.
Should visitors and contractors participate in fire drills?
Yes — everyone in the building should be evacuated and included in headcounts using an updated visitor log.
