Understanding the difference between a fire drill and an emergency evacuation is crucial to ensure the correct response is taken and the necessary records are completed accurately.
Fire drill
- A fire drill is a planned practice exercise
- It is arranged in advance to test the fire procedure, alarm, evacuation routes, and staff understanding
- Staff may be aware the drill will take place, even if the exact time is not known
- It is used to support training, check evacuation timings and identify any issues
Emergency evacuation
- An emergency evacuation is a real response to an actual or suspected danger
- It takes place due to a genuine reason to leave the building, such as fire, smoke, gas, a bomb threat or another serious risk
- Everyone must act immediately and follow the emergency procedure in full
- The priority is safety, not testing the process
Key difference
A fire drill is a controlled practice, and an emergency evacuation is a real event. In both situations everyone should leave the building promptly via the same escape routes and assembly area that is normally used unless a route is unsafe. At the assembly area, the roll call and checks must still be completed.
Recording and evidence requirements
Planned fire drills must be recorded as a drill using the F10 fire forms (F10f). Real emergency evacuations must be recorded as an incident on EEC, with details of what happened and any lessons learned. Schools must ensure records are completed in full and kept up to date. Evidence of fire drills and evacuations should be uploaded as part of the termly Civica Inspection.
Next steps for schools
- Review your fire procedures and Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan (FEEP) with staff to ensure they understand the difference
- Check that fire drill and evacuation records are being completed correctly
- Ensure evidence is retained and uploaded to the inspection on Civica
If you need further advice, please contact the Health and Safety Service’s Fire team scfiresafety@somerset.gov.uk
