Fire drill evacuation at a workplace - Ezra Safety Group

This Is Why Fire Drills Are So Important

Why Fire Drills Are Essential for Fire Safety in the Workplace

Many people view fire drills as a nuisance — an unwanted interruption to a busy working day — but they are carried out for a very good reason.
In the event of a real fire, a well-rehearsed fire evacuation plan can save lives.

Ezra Safety Group provides trusted support with fire drills, fire risk assessments, fire training, and fire door inspections across Preston, Lancashire, Manchester, Liverpool, The North West, Leeds, Cumbria, Yorkshire, The North East, and Cyprus.

Do You Know Where Your Nearest Fire Exit Is?

Whenever you enter a building you are unfamiliar with, get into the habit of making a mental note of the nearest fire exits.

Look out for:

  • Green running man signs with directional arrows

  • Illuminated exit signs in buildings with emergency lighting

  • Alternative exit points, not just the main entrance

Knowing your nearest escape route is a vital part of personal fire safety awareness.

How Often Should a Business Hold a Fire Drill?

Under UK fire safety law, businesses must hold at least one fire drill every year and record observations.

However, best practice recommends holding fire drills every six months to ensure:

  • Everyone knows the evacuation procedure

  • New staff are included

  • Any gaps or issues are spotted early

Regular fire evacuation drills help save lives by making responses automatic and reducing panic.

Fire Safety for New Starters

If you employ new staff between your annual fire drills, it’s essential they are:

  • Shown the nearest fire exits

  • Informed about their assembly points

  • Briefed on the fire evacuation plan

Simple inductions, including a walkthrough to the nearest exit, can make all the difference in an emergency.

When Was Your Fire Warden Team Last Trained?

Every business must have a Responsible Person (England and Wales) or Duty Holder (Scotland) to manage fire safety duties.

Fire Wardens play a key role during evacuations by:

  • Co-ordinating safe evacuation

  • Checking areas are clear

  • Reporting issues to the Incident Co-ordinator

Make sure:

  • You have at least one fire warden for every 20 people

  • Fire wardens receive regular refresher training

  • Staff know who the fire wardens are

Ezra Safety Group can provide fire warden with the use of extinguisher training for businesses across the North West and Cyprus.

Allocating Observers for Fire Drills

Before conducting a fire drill:

  • Allocate observers at key points (stairwells, fire exits, assembly points)

  • Ask them to note hazards and unsafe behaviours, such as:

    • Collecting personal belongings

    • Using lifts

    • Ignoring the alarm

    • Creating bottlenecks

Debrief after the drill to identify areas for improvement — and celebrate a well-executed evacuation too!

Choosing the Right Assembly Point

Your fire assembly point should be:

  • Large enough to accommodate all occupants

  • At a safe distance from the building

  • Not obstructing emergency vehicle access

Make sure assembly points are clearly marked on fire notices throughout your building.

Should You Warn People Before a Fire Drill?

We recommend not warning staff in advance of a fire drill.
This ensures an authentic, realistic response.

Only notify essential personnel if absolutely necessary.

Having a Roll Call System in Place

A good fire evacuation plan includes a roll call system to account for everyone.
Record who is in the building and ensure that, once assembled, everyone is checked off.

Never Re-Enter Until It’s Declared Safe

Even if an alarm is silenced remotely by the fire service, do not allow anyone to re-enter the building until a person in authority says it is safe.

Let Ezra Safety Group Help You Prepare

Planning properly for a fire emergency is vital.

Ezra Safety Group can support your business with:

We help organisations stay safe, compliant, and confident across Preston, Chorley, Bolton, Blackpool, Wigan, Lancashire, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Cumbria, Yorkshire, The North East, and Cyprus.

Contact Ezra Safety Group today to find out how we can help you strengthen your fire safety procedures.

01772 349598 / info@ezrasafetygroup.co.uk