SANCTA MARIA COLLEGE
Louisburgh Co. Mayo

 

 

Fire Drill Policy and Procedures

   

 

Mission Statement:
Sancta Maria College is a voluntary Catholic secondary school under the trusteeship of CEIST whose core values are inclusive of the Mercy philosophy of education.
We welcome, care for and support all within the school community through the promotion of

  • Respect
  • Being just & responsible
  • Quality teaching and learning
  • An inclusive community
  • Life-long learning

Purpose

The purpose of fire drills is to prepare building staff, students, and visitors for an organised evacuation in case of a fire or other emergency. Fire Drills are also an opportunity to systematically identify various fire safety issues as to:

  • Allow occupant to familiarize themselves with drill procedures, the location of fire exits, and the sound of the fire alarm.
  • Identify problems with the fire alarm system and its components
  • Determine if additional equipment is necessary
  • Monitor evacuation of the building to assess effectiveness, efficiency and safety
  • Document the amount of time it takes to evacuate a building and compliance with drill procedures
  • To ensure Sancta Maria College complies with laws and regulations

Guidelines

When a fire drill is always held in the same way and at the same time, it loses much of its value. When an actual fire happens, and the student’s cannot follow the exact procedure they have practiced over and over, panic may ensue. Therefore, drills should be carefully planned to simulate actual fire conditions. Not only should they be held at varying times, but also students should use different means of exit.

Fire exit drills should be designed to familiarize the occupants with all available means of exit, particularly emergency exits that are not habitually used during the normal occupancy of the building. Every fire exit drill shall be an exercise in school management for the principal and teachers.
The chief purpose of every drill shows control of classes so that the teachers will form its ranks quickly and silently, hall, turn, or direct it as desired. Great stress shall be laid upon the execution of each drill in a brisk, quiet, and orderly manner.
Running shall be prohibited. If for any reason a line becomes blocked, some of the students should be reverse-marched to another exit in order to prevent panic conditions arising as a result of inactivity.
In exiting the building the ‘Building Evacuation’ should be followed.
All visitors should leave the building immediately following a fire alarm signal.
Emergency Evacuation Route Maps are posted in each classroom, storage area, meeting room and office. Directions cover the primary evacuation route only.
Should this route be blocked, teachers and/or administrators are to lead the children to the nearest safe exit.
All windows must be closed prior to departing rooms. Once the class has departed the room, the door should be closed.
During the evacuation, all students are to be in line and silent
All teachers, including assistants are to bring their roll book with them as they depart the school.
Students, staff and visitors will re-enter the building promptly and in orderly fashion when instructed after the drill is completed.
 
Fire Drills are:

Unannounced.
Scheduled at various times, but when most occupants are in the building.
Well documented.

Sancta Maria College Fire Drill – Building Evacuation Procedure

 

  1. All directions are to be posted in every classroom
  2. Directions cover the primary evacuation route only. Should this route be blocked, teachers are to lead children to the nearest safe exit.
  3. Drills should be conducted randomly, not only when classes are in session or when it is convenient.
  4. Evacuate the building according to the following procedures:
    • Students should walk directly to designated exits in a quiet and orderly manner.
    • The first student to reach the classroom door should hold it open for others.
    • Classroom windows should be closed only if this will not slow the evacuation process
    • The teacher should make sure that everyone is out of the room and close the classroom door.
    • By pre-arrangement, the principal will designate staff to assist individuals with disabilities.
    • Teachers will take class lists with them.
    • Each school year will have a designated meeting location, a safe distance from the building.
    • Individuals should not stand on roads or driveways, and should not be in the way of fire personnel.
    • Teachers are responsible for students under their supervision and should take attendance. Teachers should notify the principal of missing students.
    • Staff should familiarize themselves with their areas of responsibility.
    • At the principal’s direction, students and staff can return to the building.

 

FIRE ASSEMBLY AREA

 

1ST Years                                            -           Assembly Point 1
2nd Years                                            -           Assembly Point 2
3rd Years                                             -           Assembly Point 3
Transition Years                               -           Assembly Point 4
5th Years                                             -           Assembly Point 5
6th Years                                             -           Assembly Point 6
All adults including visitors              -           Assembly Point 7

 

  1. ROOMS TO BE CHECKED FOR FIRE ESCAPE MAPS
  2. INDUCTION TO FIRST YEARS – ROOM MAPS, FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES, FIRE ASSEMBLY POINTS
  3. PERSON APPOINTED TO A) CHECK BUILDING B) TEACHERS AND VISITORS
  4. ROLL CALL FOR TEACHERS
  5. POSSIBILITY OF PUTTING FIRE ESCAPE IN KITCHEN

Ratification

This code was ratified by the Board of Management on April 19th 2016. It was proposed by Mr T. O’Flynn  and seconded by Ms. N. Gavin.  This code will be reviewed and revised in the light of changing circumstances, if such changes occur. 

 

 

 

 

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Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh
Tel: 098 66342 Fax: 098 66570 Email: sanctamc@iol.ie