A fire can happen at any location, even if there are systems in place such as smoke alarms and water sprinklers. Should this happen in the school where you are working, it will be a good idea to know in advance the emergency preparation plans.

The fire emergency preparation plan involves two things; information and delegation. First, you should do is read the manual and note where the nearest exits are to your classroom or workspace. This is usually posted in each classroom with lighted signage showing the way.

Next, plans should be discussed with fellow faculty and staff so that if certain improvements can be suggested and implemented. It is only after a well thought out plan is made that the details should be explained to the students.  In addition, each classroom should be stocked with an appropriate emergency kit, including a first aid kit.

It is distressing that there will be some people who will be flippant about the subject of emergency preparedness. Some believe that there are already plans in place; they know what to do, so why practice.  It cannot be stressed enough that emergency preparedness could mean a matter of life or death to everyone when there is a fire or other emergency.

Schools usually have regularly scheduled fire and emergency drills. There should be a team that regularly meets and plans for what to in an emergency. This can have a positive effect on the entire staff and should not be taken lightly. 

Delegation is the second part of the fire emergency preparation plan. Your school’s emergency preparedness plan should include a section on which staff member does what during certain types of emergencies. For a fire emergency, this depends on who first noticed the fire, and continues until the evacuation has been completed.  The important part is making sure everyone is safe.

The final of any fire preparation plan is the assembly point where everyone in the class, or school, should meet so everyone can be accounted for. Everyone should stay put until someone with higher authority issues the order that it is safe to go back inside, or, in case of extreme fire damage, calmly and efficiently releasing students to the parent or guardian listed on the emergency card.

Everyone should be well aware of the fire emergency preparation plan, since this is the safest way to be prepared. Make sure your school’s emergency preparedness team is up-to-date on the latest in appropriate emergency kits for the classroom.