What should property managers periodically conduct as part of a fire preparedness plan?

Conducting fire drills is a critical component of a fire preparedness plan because these drills ensure that tenants and staff are familiar with evacuation procedures and emergency protocols in case of a fire. Regularly practicing these scenarios helps to identify potential weaknesses in emergency plans and allows individuals to develop muscle memory for responding quickly and safely during an actual emergency. It enhances overall safety by ensuring everyone knows where the exits are located and what actions to take when a fire alarm sounds.

While fire inspections, tenant surveys, and emergency meetings have their roles in overall safety and management practices, they do not provide the same hands-on experience or immediate preparedness that fire drills do. Fire inspections are vital for ensuring that safety equipment is functional and up to code but do not actively engage tenants in emergency response. Tenant surveys can gather feedback on safety concerns, and emergency meetings can provide important information, but neither of these options allows for real-time practice in a safe, controlled environment.