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A fire drill is a method of practicing for a real fire in a building. Generally, the emergency system (usually an alarm) is activated and the building is evacuated as though a real fire had occurred. Usually, the time it takes to evacuate is measured to ensure that it occurs within a reasonable length of time. In schools, particularly elementary schools, fire drills are unannounced and talking is prohibited so the roll call can be completed.
The term is also used, sometimes, to refer to the instrument used to rub two sticks together to create heat, and therefore fire.
The term is also sometimes used as a shorter version of Chinese fire drill, signifying a large, ineffective, and chaotic exercise.
Rapid dismissal
Sometimes done in schools, a rapid dismissal is similar to a fire drill. However, unlike a conventional fire drill, students are not permitted to return to the building. In a rapid dismissal, students gather their personal belongings and other items that they will be taking home beforehand. After evacuating, a roll call is taken, and students are dismissed from the evacuation location. Rapid dismissals are sometimes substituted for conventional fire drills, as they often satisfy fire drill requirements mandated by law.
Fire drill regulations
Many jurisdictions require that fire drills be conducted at certain intervals. This is most often the case in elementary, middle, and high schools, but sometimes other places as well. Often the frequency of such drills and any special actions that must be taken during such drills are listed in the statute.
See also
"Fire drill"