Fremont Fire Code does not require Fremont Fire Department (FFD) participation in, or observation of, Fire/Evacuation Drills conducted by private entities, businesses, multi-unit buildings, and residential/commercial facilities.

Exceptions:

• Unannounced Drills refers to occupants of a building not being notified of BOTH the date and time of a drill (they may know about one or the other, BUT not BOTH).

   

• This scenario requires Fremont Fire Department presence.

 Email Fremont Fire Department Attention: Fire Marshal / Deputy Fire Marshal. Notify us about the drill (date and time) and other relevant information.

To view FFD Fire Drill Standards (Fremont Schools), click on the Fire Drill image below.

This page provides some basic information and general guidance related to Fire Drills.

Each private entity will have to develop their emergency evacuation plan, procedures and safety measures based on all the applicable codes (OSHA, State, Local) and and their organizational / facility needs and requirements.

Occupants of a building are notified of BOTH the date and time of a drill.

Occupants of a building are not notified of BOTH the date and time of a drill (they may know about one or the other, BUT not BOTH).

• Evaluate the Evacuation Plan and Procedures document through a structured test.
• Familiarize occupants with fastest escape routes to exits and minimize loss of life or risk of injury.
• Rapidly and safely evacuate a building in an orderly manner to a designated assembly point.
• Turn emergency procedures into automatic, calm responses and help reduce confusion during real emergencies.
• Test the functionality of alarms, safety / emergency equipment and systems, and evacuation plans and procedures.
• Comply with OSHA, state and local fire code regulations and mandates.
• Identify weaknesses and opportunities for improvements in evacuation plans and safety procedures, especially, after a drill.

Develop an evacuation plan:

• Ensure plan complies with all applicable codes and regulations (OSHA, State, Local)
• Include primary and secondary escape routes and designated assembly areas
• Identify roles for floor-wardens and develop procedures for assisting individuals with access or functional needs.

Educate all employees:

• Provide training on evacuation routes, alarm recognition, use of stairwells (NOT ELEVATOR)
• Establish accountability procedures.
• Set expectations during a drill or real emergency

 Conduct a fire drill to validate the plan:

• Activate the alarm system.
• Observe employee movement, check for bottlenecks or confusion points.

Foster ongoing improvement:

• Offer and accept feedback,
• Recognize positive performance and address unsafe behaviors.
• Encourage teams to practice good habits to improve response times.

Conduct regular fire drills:

• Ensure all staff reach the assembly area safely and promptly.
• Schedule drills regularly and vary scenarios, when appropriate.
• Document results to track progress and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure continuous review and improvement of emergency evacuation procedures.

• Treat the drill seriously to ensure safety and preparedness for a real emergency.
• Immediately stop work, leave personal belongings, and proceed to the nearest exit calmly.
• Follow established fire safety protocols.
• Remember to close doors behind you to prevent smoke from spreading.
• Use stairs, NEVER ELEVATORS.
• Go to the predesignated assembly area and remain there for a head count.
• Conduct a headcount.
• Do Not Re-enter the building until emergency officials declare it safe, even if the alarm stops.
• Report any challenges, irregularities, or safety issues observed during the drill.
• Review challenges, irregularities, or safety issues identified during the fire drill, implement appropriate corrective actions, and update the evacuation plan and procedural documentation accordingly.

Fire Prevention, CUPA , OSHA Emergency Preparedness Programs: