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Fire Drill Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

Purpose

To ensure that all staff and children can safely and efficiently evacuate the facility in the event of a fire or fire-related emergency, and to maintain compliance with childcare licensing and fire authority requirements.

Scope

This SOP applies to all staff, children, and visitors present in the facility during operating hours.

Responsibility

  • Operator/Director: Overall compliance, scheduling drills, maintaining records

  • All Staff: Executing evacuation procedures and supervising children

  • Designee (if applicable): Coordinating drills with licensing authorities

Fire Drill Frequency & Requirements

  1. Fire drills must be conducted monthly during the facility’s license year.

  2. Drills must occur on various dates and times when children are present.

  3. Fire drills must utilize the approved fire alarm system.

  4. All drills must comply with guidance from the local fire authority.

Fire Drill Procedures

Step 1: Alarm Activation

  • The approved fire alarm system is activated.

  • Alarm activation may be planned (drill) or unplanned (actual emergency).

Step 2: Immediate Evacuation

  • Upon hearing the alarm:

    • All adults and children must immediately evacuate the building.

    • Staff must remain calm and use clear, reassuring instructions.

  • No one may re-enter the building until cleared by leadership or emergency personnel.

Step 3: Child Supervision During Evacuation

  • Each staff member is responsible for their assigned group of children.

  • Staff must:

    • Keep children together

    • Maintain head counts throughout evacuation

    • Assist infants, toddlers, and children with special needs as required

Step 4: Attendance & Emergency Records

  • A current attendance record and parent contact information must be taken outside during:

    • Fire drills

    • Actual evacuations

  • These records must be used immediately to:

    • Account for all children

    • Confirm all staff and children are safely evacuated

Step 5: Assembly Area

  • Staff and children must proceed to the designated outdoor assembly area.

  • Teachers must conduct a headcount and report status to the Director or designee.

Required Fire Drill Variations

During each license year, fire drills must include at least the following:

  1. One drill using an alternate evacuation route

  2. One drill conducted during napping or sleeping times

  3. One drill conducted in the presence and at the request of the licensing authority

    • This drill must be coordinated in advance with the Operator or designated staff member

Fire Drill Documentation

The Operator must maintain a written fire drill log that includes:

  • Date of the drill

  • Time of the drill

  • Number of children present

  • Number of staff present

  • Evacuation route used

  • Total time required to evacuate the facility

Record Retention

  • Fire drill records must be maintained for a minimum of 12 months from the date of each drill.

  • Records must be available for review by licensing or regulatory authorities upon request.

Compliance

Failure to follow this SOP may result in:

  • Licensing violations

  • Safety risks to children and staff

  • Corrective action as determined by facility leadership