Fire drill implementation rates remain low at many condo properties. However, landlords are legally obligated as fire prevention managers to conduct fire drills, and if a failure to do so is discovered following a fire, criminal penalties may apply.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the key points property managers need to know: the importance of fire drills, the specific steps for conducting them, strategies to boost participation, and obligations for inspecting evacuation equipment.
Why Are Fire Drills Necessary in Condos?
According to 2022 data from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, building fires accounted for 19,549 of the 35,222 total fires (over 55%). While condos are fire-resistant structures, 60% of fires occur in fire-resistant buildings.
Risks of Not Conducting Drills
- If residents are harmed in a fire, the status of fire drill implementation will be investigated
- If the lack of drills is deemed a contributing factor to the spread of damage, the fire prevention manager may face criminal penalties
- The risk of delayed evacuation is especially high on upper floors, as ladder trucks cannot reach above 35 meters (approximately the 11th floor)
6 Risks to Anticipate in a Condo Fire
- Delayed evacuation — Evacuation is slowed by elevator shutdowns and panic. The risk is especially high on upper floors
- Carbon monoxide poisoning — Carbon monoxide in smoke can cause loss of consciousness even from minimal inhalation
- Complete room burnout — Even if walls are fire-resistant, flooring, furniture, and wallpaper can burn easily
- Water damage — Firefighting efforts may cause water damage to rooms other than the one where the fire originated
- Fire spread — Laundry on balconies or kerosene tanks can ignite and cause a large-scale fire
- No recourse for damages — Unless gross negligence is proven, damages cannot be claimed from the party responsible for the fire
Types of Fire Drills | 5 Training Categories
| Drill | Content | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Fire suppression drill | Learn how to use fire extinguishers and indoor fire hydrants | Discharge training also available at the fire station |
| Evacuation drill | Confirm evacuation routes; learn to use evacuation ladders and descent devices | Know at least two evacuation routes |
| Notification and communication drill | Practice calling 119, using emergency alarms | Also publicize email and fax 119 reporting options |
| Emergency first aid drill | AED usage, triangular bandages, transporting injured persons | Actions taken before the ambulance arrives directly reduce harm |
| Comprehensive drill | All of the above conducted as a complete sequence | Practice the full flow from notification through first aid |
6 Steps for Conducting a Fire Drill
Step 1: Develop a Plan
Based on the fire prevention plan, determine the timing and content of the drill. Consult with the building management board or residents' association several months in advance to assign roles. Since September tends to be a peak period for drills, submit requests to the fire station early.
Step 2: Submit Documentation to the Fire Station
Submission of a "Fire Drill Implementation Plan" is required. If you wish to request fire truck deployment or guidance for suppression training, make separate arrangements in advance.
Step 3: Request Cooperation from Related Businesses and Local Authorities
Ask fire equipment inspection contractors to prepare training extinguishers and activate fire alarm systems. Some local governments also provide emergency food supplies and disaster prevention maps at no cost.
Step 4: Notify Residents
Announce the drill via bulletin boards, elevator posters, and flyers delivered to each unit. Activating fire alarms without prior notice will cause residents to panic, so advance notification is essential.
Step 5: Prepare in Advance
Create a timetable, arrange items to distribute (beverages and disaster preparedness samples), and prepare necessary equipment (megaphones, resident rosters, reception tables).
Step 6: Conduct the Drill and Review
After the drill, always conduct a review session and apply lessons learned to future drills.
5 Strategies to Boost Fire Drill Participation
① Incorporate Activities Children Can Enjoy
Activities such as riding a fire truck or trying on miniature firefighter uniforms encourage family participation by making the event fun for children. Fire stations will often accommodate such requests.
② Offer a Different Experience Each Year
Rotating experiences such as smoke house walkthroughs and AED training each year prevents the drills from feeling repetitive. This eliminates the excuse of "it's always the same, so I don't bother attending."
③ Share Past Drill Results with Concrete Numbers
Statements such as "All participants were able to use a fire extinguisher" or "Evacuation time was reduced by X minutes" make the benefits of participation tangible through specific outcomes.
④ Distribute Food and Disaster Preparedness Supplies
Distributing emergency food (alpha rice, hardtack) and offering cooking demonstrations serve as participation incentives. Since some local governments provide stockpiled disaster preparedness supplies free of charge, check with your local disaster prevention office.
⑤ Communicate the Risks of Not Participating Clearly
Compile the risks of delayed evacuation and panic into an illustrated booklet and distribute it to residents. However, graphic photos or images of injuries are counterproductive. Keep the content focused on prompting readers to visualize the risks rather than shocking them.
Background and Countermeasures for Low Fire Drill Participation
Common Reasons for Non-Participation and Countermeasures
| Reason for Not Participating | Countermeasure |
|---|---|
| Don't want to clear their schedule | Provide incentives through experiential activities and distributed goods |
| Same content every time | Vary the drill content each year and invite outside instructors |
| Were unaware the drill was taking place | Use multiple notification channels: bulletin boards, flyers, and elevator postings |
Organizational Improvement Measures
- Establish a disaster prevention committee — Having committee members take the lead in drills fosters a sense of participation among residents
- Bring in community-building professionals — Enables multi-faceted approaches to increasing participation
- Engage a consultant — Delegate fire prevention manual creation and drill design to specialists
Mandatory Regular Inspection of Evacuation Equipment
Condos are classified as fire-prevention properties, and regular inspection of fire safety equipment and reporting to the fire station are required by law. Failing to conduct inspections or submitting false reports carries penalties.
- Equipment inspection: Once every 6 months — Check installation condition and damage to equipment
- Comprehensive inspection: Once per year — Activate equipment to verify proper operation
Inspections must be conducted by a licensed fire equipment technician or certified fire equipment inspector. Notify residents in advance not to place any objects near evacuation ladders.
Summary
Condo fire drills are both a legal obligation to protect residents' lives and an indicator of high management quality. To boost participation, strategies such as offering experiential activities that children can enjoy and distributing disaster preparedness supplies are effective in making attendance appealing.
INA&Associates Co., Ltd. provides comprehensive rental management services, including support for fire drill implementation. Please feel free to contact us regarding the development of your disaster preparedness framework.
