Fire drills are designed to avoid confusion and ensure the evacuation of all occupants during a fire. Such drills are required in public buildings by the Ohio Fire Code. Accordingly, EHS works with departments and colleges to schedule and facilitate fire drills for applicable University facilities on a prescribed basis. The CSU Police Department assists EHS in conducting the actual drills.

Prior to conducting a fire drill, EHS notifies the Cleveland Fire Department (CFD) and CSU Police Dispatch that a drill is being conducted. During a fire drill, personnel gather at a central location, usually in the main lobby near the fire alarm panel if possible, and activate a fire alarm pull station.

EHS staff and CSU Police and Security Officers take strategic posts in and around the building where evaluations can be made of occupant behavior as they exit. Key observations include the time the drill begins, whether occupants move calmly and quickly to exits, if attempts are made to remain in the building, use the elevators or actually enter the building, and assessments of the fire safety systems (audible alarms sounding properly, strobe lights are working if present, CSU Police Dispatch receives proper alarms on their equipment, etc…), the time the drill ends. The approximate number of occupants evacuated is also recorded.

Any items noted that are contrary to acceptable evacuation procedures are documented and brought to the attention of the appropriate department administrator in writing. EHS facilitates additional fire safety and emergency evacuation training if necessary.