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December 8, 2020
Fire and Emergency Drills: Deadlines and Legal Requirements
Dear New York State Principals and Administrators,

New York State Law requires schools to conduct 12 fire and emergency drills each school year. The drills must focus on appropriate emergency responses, including lock-downs, and not simply building evacuations in the event of a fire.
 
The Fire and Emergency Drills require:
General Notes on the 12 Required Drills:

  • At least 8 of the 12 required drills must be completed by December 31.

  • Drills must be conducted at different times of the school day.

  • Pupils must be instructed in responding to fires during lunch period or an assembly.

Special Cases Requiring Additional Drills: 

  • Schools with Dormitories: 4 additional drills must be conducted between sunset and sunrise in school buildings with dormitory facilities.

  • School Buildings Operating a Summer School: At least 2 additional drills must be held during the summer in buildings where summer school is conducted; 1 of these drills must be conducted during the first week of summer.

Schools should maintain documentation of required drills performed, including the timing and type of drill. 

NYSED has provided a quick reference card which summarizes best practices in emergency situations. To view the card, click here. 

As always, feel free to contact us at yeshivaservices@agudah.org.  
Mrs. Deborah Zachai 
Director Emeritus of Education Affairs  
Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus
Director of Yeshiva Services  
Ami Bazov, Esq.
Coordinator of Education Affairs