Mandatory Fire and Emergency Drills

November 26, 2024

Dear 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 lockdowns, and not simply building evacuations in the event of a fire.

The Fire and Emergency Drills require:

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.

As always, feel free to reach out to yeshivaservices@agudah.org with any questions.

Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus

Director of Yeshiva Services

Agudath Israel of America

Ami Bazov, Esq.

Associate Director of Yeshiva Services

Agudath Israel of America

Yeshiva Services champions and guides yeshivos and day schools, advocates for resources at all levels of government, educates and guides yeshiva leadership, and defends yeshivos and their unique character under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, ensuring the continued growth of Klal Yisroel.

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