When Was Your Last Fire Drill? Why It Matters More Than You Think

Compiled By: Schalk W. Lubbe

When was the last time your entire team practised what to do in a fire emergency? If your answer is, "I can't remember," you're not alone. Fire drills are often neglected, postponed, or assumed unnecessary in many workplaces. But when a real emergency occurs, that gap in preparation can lead to chaos, injury, or worse.

While fire prevention is critical, it's only part of the equation. Fire preparedness is just as important. Drills are not a box-ticking exercise; they are a vital training opportunity that can mean the difference between an orderly evacuation and a disorganised rush.

Fire Drills Are a Reality Check

The most immediate benefit of a fire drill is that it exposes weaknesses in your current plan. During drills, we often observe:

Staff confused about which exits to use

Fire wardens unsure of their roles

Bottlenecks forming at certain points of egress

Critical equipment (like alarm buttons) overlooked or misused

These are not hypothetical issues. In real emergencies, confusion causes casualties. Regular drills uncover these gaps in a controlled environment so they can be addressed before they become a life-threatening problem.

Outdated Plans Lead to False Confidence

Many businesses have not updated their evacuation plans in years. Staff turnover, office renovations, and changes to floor layouts often go unrecorded in emergency procedures. As a result, even well-meaning teams may be following outdated routes or relying on signage that no longer reflects reality.

At Collaborative Risk Applications, we review the entire fire response process—from signage and floorplans to communication protocols and leadership roles. We help you build clarity and confidence across all levels of your workforce.

A Drill Is Not a Disruption. It's a Duty.

Too often, fire drills are seen as inconvenient interruptions to productivity. In truth, they are acts of care and leadership. They demonstrate that your organisation values human life above bottom lines.

Employees who know what to do in an emergency feel safer at work, and that confidence contributes to overall morale and accountability.

Drill Frequency and Follow-Up

Best practice suggests at least one full evacuation drill per year, but high-risk environments may require more frequent exercises. After each drill, it’s essential to debrief: What worked? What didn’t? Were people calm, informed, and quick to act?

We provide not only guided drills but detailed post-drill assessments with actionable improvements tailored to your site.

In summary, fire drills are not just a formality. They are a foundational part of workplace safety and emergency preparedness. Conducted regularly and reviewed properly, they ensure that when the alarm sounds, your people respond with speed, clarity, and calm.

Let us help you assess, refine, and rehearse your fire response.

Email: info@collaborativerisk.co.zaWebsite: www.collaborativerisk.co.za