How often should fire drills be conducted in workplaces according to FDNY guidelines?

Conducting fire drills at least once a year is essential for maintaining preparedness in workplaces, as outlined by FDNY guidelines. This annual requirement ensures that employees remain familiar with evacuation procedures, understand their roles during an emergency, and know the locations of exits and assembly points. Depending on occupancy type or specific risks associated with the workplace, more frequent drills may be necessary to ensure a comprehensive level of readiness, reflecting the unique hazards present. Regular drills not only reinforce safety protocols but also help identify any shortcomings in emergency plans, providing an opportunity to improve them before an actual emergency occurs.

Other options suggest infrequent or conditional practices that would not provide adequate preparation or awareness for most work environments. For instance, conducting drills only once every five years would likely lead to a decline in employee readiness and awareness. Monthly drills could lead to desensitization or disruption, as well as unnecessary use of resources when an annual drill supplemented by additional sessions when appropriate suffices. Finally, waiting until a fire occurs to conduct drills does not promote a proactive safety culture, significantly increasing the risk of confusion or ineffectiveness in an emergency situation.