Fire Drill Protocols in Michigan

The Michigan Fire Prevention Act addresses fire drill protocols for public buildings and state supported schools, universities and school dormitories. In addition, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (Section 408.1014) incorporate the federal laws of OSHA into its act, which include regulations for emergency planning. Firms with 10 or more workers must have a written plan for dealing with emergencies, including fires.

Michigan Fire Prevention Act

• State supported schools, universities, colleges and the private owners of properties that serves as dormitories must follow Section 29.19 of the Michigan Fire Prevention Act. School administrators must conduct at least eight fire drills annually. When the weather does not allow a monthly drill, five fire drills must take place in the fall and three drills during the rest of the year.

  Rules prohibit school administrators from locking doors and exits during regular schools hours or when the public has access to the building. The school administrators and dormitory owners must maintain records of fire drill activities. The law also applies to public buildings in the state, which should conduct a minimum of six drills per year.

Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act

• OSHA requires emergency plans to have instructions for reporting fires, the person(s) who can authorize an evacuation, designated escape routes and the exterior meeting place for employees. The plan should also outline specific steps for employees who remain in the building for "critical operations." These activities may include operating fire extinguishers, closing gas valves or shutting down electrical distribution panels.

  The plan must cover the medical and rescue responsibilities for staff trained to conduct such activities and the names and phone numbers of coworkers who can clarify or explain responsibilities under the plan. Companies with fewer than 10 employees should at least have a verbal plan.

Residential Fire Drills

• Although the state does not provide a model fire drill or fire escape plan, municipalities, such as Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, provide residents with information on fire prevention and fire drill procedures for residents. Both fire departments recommend sketching a layout of the home that shows exit doors, windows, stairways or other avenues for escape.

  In addition, designate two means of escaping from each room, including a window. A window high off the ground needs a fire escape ladder. Include signals to alert family members of fire, such as shouting or pounding on walls. The city recommends sleeping with doors closed, which keeps out smoke heat and gases in the event of fire. Include in the plan instruction for an individual trapped by the fire.

  Another critical protocol involves establishing a meeting place for family members after evacuating the home; make it clear to individuals not to go back into the structure. Mt. Pleasant's fire department suggests holding a fire drill every six months that includes using designated exits and meeting at the designated spot outside the home.

Trapped By Fire

• The Mt. Pleasant fire department recommends the following procedures for an individual trapped by fire: Go to a designated "safe area with a window" and close the door between you and the fire. Place towels, blankets or clothing in the gap underneath the door; this prevents smoke from entering the room. Stay by the window. If possible, call 911 to report your exact location. If your clothes catch on fire, remember to "stop, drop and roll" to extinguish the flames.