Conduct expected and unexpected monthly school fire drills in which everyone participates. When you practice drills often, it can help simulate real-life emergencies. Drills help teach everyone the plan and what they should do in case of a fire. Pair students with specific needs to an adult or classmate for extra assistance.

Safety recommendations include a certain number of proper sprinklers, fire alarm pulls, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers within the building. Ensuring all fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire exits are in working condition. Also, know the locations of the fire protection system, fire alarm pull stations, and sprinklers.

Inspect all fire exits, doors, windows, and stairways at every time of the day. This ensures nothing is blocking students from exiting, and all is working properly.

Have a predetermined location “Safe Zone” where students know to meet once they exit the building. The Safe Zone should be a good distance away from the building and should be accessible. Once at the Safe Zone, all teachers should have a list of all the students in their class. Tell all students they are NOT to enter back into the building till they are given the all-clear.

Post clear maps in every classroom that show two or more escape routes in the event of a fire.

Teach students the basics of “stop, drop, and roll,” getting low to the floor, and touching the door handle before opening doors.

Fire Safe Kids suggests teaching students the “Three P’s” (prevention, plan, and practice). The goal is to teach students to stop a fire before it starts, ways to plan an escape in the event of a fire emergency, and then practice those skills.