Fire Drills Build Leadership, Trust and Respect
Leadership & Safety Series #3
Leadership & Safety Series | Store (Single Copy)
Fire Drills Build Leadership was originally created to focus on the importance of school drills, provide some basic history and outline the role fire drills play in building leadership skills. Our team was curious when and why fire drills became required for all American schools. After discovering Dr. Tom Horton's article about tragic Cleveland School Fire, it was clear how this information could be shared with teachers and staff and help start conversations about the importance of fire drills. The main focus is on the importance of school fire drills and sharing real life experiences about how practicing fire drills help builds leadership skills and trust.
#3: Fire Drills Build Leadership Includes:
#3: Fire Drills Build Leadership Includes:
- Fire Drills for Team Building and Practicing Leadership
- Drills Prepare Us for Real-life Incidents - Comments by Ada Rosairo Dolch from her book, "Principles for Principals, Leading the Way to School Safety". Link to Let's Be Safe, Fire Drills Project - Winner of the Outstanding Safe to Learn Safety project for 2014-2015
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Statistics about School Fire Drills
- NFPA School Safety Tips
- The History of School Fire Drills
Included is an article by Dr. Tom Horton, about the tragic Cleveland Fire, “1923 School Fire Gave Us Fire Codes and Drills”
Published Online by the Moultrie News, Jan. 11, 2012 - How Fire Drills Enhance Leadership (References a graphic created by the U.S. Department of Education)
- Some examples of Fire Drill requirements by State
- And a reminder - "Be Sure Everyone Knows Your School's Fire Drill Procedures "
Dr. Tom Horton’s Reflection:
"As I read Ada Rosario Dolch's story in her eBook, Principles for Principals, Leading the Way to School Safety, what resonated with me was the fireman's adage that no two fires are alike. None of us can predict what will be the circumstances of the emergency we will be faced with. Be that as it may, a common core, universal fire drill gives each of us a framework with which we can structure our own response in a critical situation. Having a universally understood set of responses would help eliminate panic and indecision as well as develop self-confidence in assisting others in a time of emergency.
"Today when I hear teachers complain about the interruption of a fire drill; I think of the Cleveland Fire and of Ada Rosario Dolch’s story of preparedness. She had no way of knowing how all those drills prepared her and her staff to face the events of 9/11. I am thankful that we have come such a long way since 1923 and that so many principals and teachers are willing to invest the time to participate in drills and exercises to help keep our children safe."
"As I read Ada Rosario Dolch's story in her eBook, Principles for Principals, Leading the Way to School Safety, what resonated with me was the fireman's adage that no two fires are alike. None of us can predict what will be the circumstances of the emergency we will be faced with. Be that as it may, a common core, universal fire drill gives each of us a framework with which we can structure our own response in a critical situation. Having a universally understood set of responses would help eliminate panic and indecision as well as develop self-confidence in assisting others in a time of emergency.
"Today when I hear teachers complain about the interruption of a fire drill; I think of the Cleveland Fire and of Ada Rosario Dolch’s story of preparedness. She had no way of knowing how all those drills prepared her and her staff to face the events of 9/11. I am thankful that we have come such a long way since 1923 and that so many principals and teachers are willing to invest the time to participate in drills and exercises to help keep our children safe."
Ada Rosario Dolch Reminds Us to Use Fire Drills and Exercises for Team Building and Practicing Leadership
"Think of using Fire Drills and emergency preparedness exercises for team building and practicing leadership. Students and staff can become complacent about fire drills. It is important to make “unexpected” changes to the drill to ensure that everyone is prepared in case of a true emergency. (This is also a great opportunity to invite the local fire department into your school.) "~Ada Rosario Dolch, Principles for Principals, Leading the Way to School Safety
Read more about Ada Dolch's views on leadership and fire drills in her book
Principles for Principals, Leading the Way to School Safety | Practice Leadership
"Think of using Fire Drills and emergency preparedness exercises for team building and practicing leadership. Students and staff can become complacent about fire drills. It is important to make “unexpected” changes to the drill to ensure that everyone is prepared in case of a true emergency. (This is also a great opportunity to invite the local fire department into your school.) "~Ada Rosario Dolch, Principles for Principals, Leading the Way to School Safety
Read more about Ada Dolch's views on leadership and fire drills in her book
Principles for Principals, Leading the Way to School Safety | Practice Leadership