An evacuation plan on paper can look perfect: clear routes, a safe assembly point, and an emergency team spread across the floors. But reality only shows in practice: an alarm that cannot be heard in the back store, an emergency door chained shut, or new staff who do not know where to assemble. Civil defense regulations require the safety officer to train staff in carrying out the evacuation plan. The practical way to do that is the fire evacuation drill, which reveals gaps that do not show on paper. This guide explains the drill's three stages, planning, execution and documentation, common findings, and how to turn its results into real improvement.
Stage One: Planning
- Set the drill's goal: testing evacuation time, an alternative route, or the emergency team's role.
- Choose the scenario: a fire on a specific floor, or a main exit blocked.
- Assign observers on each floor, at exits and at the assembly point.
- Coordinate with management, and inform neighbours or authorities where needed to avoid panic.
- Make sure the alarm system and exits are ready before the day.
Types of Drill
| Type | When it is used | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Announced drill | New facilities or after updating the plan | Teaching routes and roles |
| Partial drill | A specific floor or section | Testing a particular weak point |
| Unannounced drill | Once the plan is established | Measuring actual readiness |
| Blocked-exit scenario drill | Buildings with multiple exits | Testing alternative routes |
Stage Two: Execution
- Activate the alarm and start timing.
- Evacuate by the stairs, not the lifts.
- Assist people with disabilities, children and the elderly according to the plan.
- Assemble at the designated point and take a headcount.
- Announce the end of the drill.
Stage Three: Documentation
| Item | What is recorded |
|---|---|
| Date, time and scenario | Drill details |
| Evacuation time | From alarm start to headcount completion |
| Number of participants | And matching it against attendance records |
| Observations | An obstructed exit, an inaudible alarm, a team delay |
| Corrective actions | Who is responsible and by when |
Common Findings Revealed by Drills
- An alarm that cannot be heard in some rooms. Read: Alarm system requirements.
- Locked emergency doors or exits used as storage.
- Staff who do not know the assembly point.
- No up-to-date headcount list.
- Unclear signage or emergency lighting that does not work. Read: Evacuation signs and escape routes.
Address the findings and update the plan. Read: How to prepare an evacuation plan.
Drills by Type of Facility
- Schools: regular drills with teachers trained to accompany students. Read: Requirements for schools.
- Factories: scenarios that include shutting down equipment safely. Read: Requirements for factories.
- Offices: attention to visitors and new staff. Read: Requirements for offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must civil defense be informed of the drill?
It is advisable to coordinate with the competent civil defense centre as the facility's plan and the authority's instructions require.
Is an announced drill useful?
Yes, especially at first; less-announced drills are then held to measure actual readiness.
How often should drills be held?
According to the nature of the facility and the competent authority's instructions, and preferably after any change in the building or team.
Is the real alarm used?
It is preferable, to test the system, while informing the maintenance company to avoid triggering suppression systems.
What should I do with the drill's results?
Turn them into corrective actions with owners and deadlines, then test them in the next drill.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that prepares evacuation plans and drawings, helps plan, observe and document drills, and proposes improvements to exits and systems. See our evacuation plans service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.