What Happens During a Fire Drill

Overview

Fire drills are essential safety procedures that help ensure everyone can evacuate safely in an emergency. Understanding what happens during a drill helps you respond appropriately and supports your workplace's safety procedures.

Who This Applies To

All staff members who are checked in to a site during a fire drill will be included in the emergency procedures.

Before a Fire Drill Starts

When Fire Drills Happen

• Fire drills are initiated by Fire Marshals, Site Administrators, or Company Administrators
• They can happen at any time during working hours
• You won't receive advance warning - drills simulate real emergencies

Who Can Start a Fire Drill

• Fire Marshals
• Site Administrators
• Company Administrators
• Only one person needs to start the drill for the entire site

Your Check-in Status Matters

• Only staff who are currently checked in will be included in the drill
• If you're not checked in, you won't receive notifications or be counted
• Always ensure you're properly checked in when on-site

When a Fire Drill Starts

Notification Process

If you're checked in, you'll receive:

• Push notification on your mobile device (if app installed and notifications enabled)
• The notification will instruct you to follow evacuation procedures

Notification content typically includes:

• Alert that a fire drill has started
• Instructions to evacuate immediately
• Direction to proceed to your assembly point

What Happens in Reggie®

When a drill starts:

• All checked-in staff and visitors are automatically included
• Fire Marshals can see everyone who needs to be accounted for
• Your status becomes part of the emergency headcount
• The drill continues until everyone is accounted for

During the Fire Drill

Your Immediate Response

1. Stop what you're doing immediately
2. Follow your workplace's evacuation procedures
3. Proceed to your designated assembly point
4. Do not use lifts/elevators
5. Do not collect personal belongings
6. Do not re-enter the building

At the Assembly Point

• Proceed directly to your designated assembly area
• Wait calmly for Fire Marshals to account for everyone
• Do not leave the assembly point until instructed
• Be prepared to confirm your presence if asked

Fire Marshal Activities

While you're at the assembly point, Fire Marshals will:

• Use Reggie® to track who should be present
• Mark each person as present, offsite, or absent
• May call individuals who haven't been accounted for
• Work together if multiple Fire Marshals are involved

Your Role During Headcount

• Stay at the assembly point until the drill is complete
• Respond when your name is called or when Fire Marshals approach you
• Remain calm and patient while everyone is accounted for
• Don't assume the drill is over until officially announced

How Fire Marshals Track Attendance

The App-Based System

Fire Marshals see a list of everyone who should be present:

• All staff currently checked in to the site
• All visitors who checked in today
• They mark each person as present, offsite, or absent

If You're Not Initially Found

Fire Marshals may:

• Call your mobile number if they have it
• Ask colleagues about your whereabouts
• Check different assembly areas
• Mark you as absent if you can't be located

Multiple Assembly Areas

If your site has different assembly areas:

• Fire Marshals can filter by groups or areas
• Make sure you're in your designated assembly area
• Don't move between areas during the drill

End of the Fire Drill

How Drills End

The drill ends when:

• All checked-in staff and visitors have been accounted for
• Fire Marshals have marked everyone as present, offsite, or absent
• The lead Fire Marshal answers any required questions
• The "End Drill" process is completed in Reggie®

Return to Normal Operations

• Wait for the official "all clear" announcement
• Return to the building only when instructed
• Resume normal work activities
• The Fire Marshal may share a summary of the drill results

Drill Reports

After the drill:

• A PDF report is automatically generated
• The report includes attendance data and drill notes
• Fire Marshals and administrators can access the report
• Your participation is recorded for compliance purposes

Special Scenarios During Drills

If You're in a Meeting or Call

• End the meeting/call immediately
• Follow evacuation procedures
• Don't delay evacuation to save work or notify external participants
• External participants should be advised of the emergency

If You're Away from Your Desk

• Proceed to assembly point from wherever you are
• Don't return to your desk or office
• Take the nearest safe exit route
• Join your colleagues at the assembly point

If You're Outside the Building

• Go directly to the assembly point
• Don't enter the building
• Make yourself known to Fire Marshals
• Wait with everyone else until the drill ends

If You Have Mobility Issues

• Follow your personal emergency evacuation plan
• Use designated evacuation routes and equipment
• Alert Fire Marshals to your needs if necessary
• Don't attempt evacuation methods that aren't safe for you

Real Fire vs Fire Drill

During the Drill

• You won't initially know if it's a drill or real emergency
• Always treat every alarm as a real emergency
• Follow the same evacuation procedures regardless
• Don't assume it's "just a drill"

Fire Marshal Information

• Fire Marshals will know whether it's a drill or real emergency
• They record this information in the drill report
• The designation doesn't change how you should respond

What Not to Do During Fire Drills

Don't Ignore the Drill

• Never ignore fire drill notifications
• Don't continue working when evacuation is required
• Don't assume someone else will account for you

Don't Delay Evacuation

• Don't stop to save work or shut down computers
• Don't collect personal belongings
• Don't make personal phone calls
• Don't use toilets

Don't Leave the Assembly Area

• Don't leave to get coffee or use facilities
• Don't return to the building early
• Don't go to your car unless instructed
• Don't assume the drill is over without confirmation

Common Questions During Drills

"I'm not on the list"

• Tell the Fire Marshal immediately
• Provide your name and confirm you were checked in
• The Fire Marshal can verify your status

"I can't find my team/colleagues"

• Stay in your designated assembly area
• Let Fire Marshals know you're looking for specific people
• Don't search for them yourself

"My phone/app isn't working"

• This doesn't affect your participation in the drill
• Follow standard evacuation procedures
• Report technical issues after the drill is complete

"I need to go back inside"

• You cannot re-enter until the drill is officially ended
• Speak to Fire Marshals if you have urgent concerns
• Emergency services will handle any critical issues

After the Fire Drill

Immediate Actions

• Return to work only when instructed
• Resume normal activities
• Report any issues or feedback to your Fire Marshal or Site Administrator

If You Missed the Drill

• Don't worry if you were legitimately away
• Check in with your Fire Marshal or Site Administrator
• Ensure your check-in status was correct
• Ask about any important information shared during the drill

Providing Feedback

• Share feedback about evacuation routes or procedures
• Report any obstacles or issues you encountered
• Suggest improvements for future drills
• Help make your workplace safer for everyone

Remember: Fire drills save lives. Take every drill seriously, follow procedures exactly, and help create a culture of safety in your workplace.