Fire drills, better known as trial evacuations, are a critical component of workplace safety for businesses across New Zealand. Not only are they a legal requirement under Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) regulations, but they also ensure that evacuation schemes remain effective and that staff are well-prepared to respond in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Whether your business is based in Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Wellington or anywhere else across the North and South Islands, engaging in regular fire drills is a crucial investment in safety and compliance. Fire Security Services provides comprehensive trial evacuation services throughout these regions to support businesses in meeting their responsibilities and safeguarding their people.
What’s Involved in a Fire Drill?
A fire drill simulates a real-life emergency situation to test the readiness of both the evacuation plan and the people expected to follow it. Typically, the process includes:
• Sounding the alarm: A Fire Security Services technician activates the building's fire alarm to initiate the evacuation. If your system is connected to Fire and Emergency NZ, we will notify them beforehand to avoid an unnecessary response.
• Evacuation: Occupants exit the building via the nearest emergency exits, guided by designated fire wardens.
• Timing: The total time taken from alarm activation to full evacuation and accountability at the assembly point is recorded, offering a benchmark for future drills.
• Review and report: After the drill, a Fire Security Services technician provides a detailed report highlighting observations, learnings, and training recommendations if needed.
Key Aspects to Observe During a Trial Evacuation
A fire drill is more than a box-ticking exercise; it is an opportunity to assess how well your emergency plans function in practice. Key aspects to monitor include:
• Speed and responsiveness: Do employees respond promptly and use the nearest exit?
• Knowledge of assembly point: Are staff aware of the designated safe meeting area?
• Obstruction-free exits: Are all emergency exits clear and accessible?
• Support for vulnerable individuals: Are provisions in place for those needing extra assistance?
• Fire warden effectiveness: Are fire wardens carrying out their roles correctly and confidently?
How Often Should a Fire Drill Take Place?
Under New Zealand legislation, trial evacuations must occur at least every six months for all buildings that have an approved evacuation scheme. This frequency ensures ongoing preparedness and keeps safety top-of-mind within your organisation.
Evaluating Fire Warden Performance
Fire wardens play a vital role in any emergency plan. They are not just there to wear a hi-vis vest—they are responsible for leading, assisting, and ensuring a safe evacuation. Each drill should assess:
• Whether wardens understood and fulfilled their responsibilities
• How well they communicated with staff
• Whether they identified and reported hazards
• Their ability to stay calm under pressure
Businesses should consider fire warden training as part of a broader commitment to workplace safety and legal compliance under the Health & Safety at Work Act.
Why Fire Drills Matter
✅ Preparedness
Fire drills give staff the chance to practise procedures, helping them become familiar with escape routes, roles, and assembly locations. This reduces confusion and panic during real emergencies.
✅ Safety
Routine drills help identify safety issues like blocked exits or ineffective communication systems, enabling timely corrections before a real emergency arises.
✅ Compliance
Fire drills are a legal requirement for New Zealand businesses with evacuation schemes. Failing to carry out regular drills can result in regulatory penalties and increased risk to life and property.
✅ Asset Protection
A rapid, well-rehearsed evacuation minimises the risk to life and business assets by ensuring a clear response pathway when time is of the essence.
✅ Building Confidence
Frequent drills promote a culture of safety, enhancing employee confidence and morale. Staff who feel prepared are more likely to act rationally and responsibly during a crisis.
✅ Evacuation Scheme Effectiveness
Drills provide a practical test of your building’s evacuation scheme—including alarms, emergency lighting, and procedures—ensuring these systems function as intended.
Final Thoughts
Fire drills should never be regarded as a formality. They are a crucial part of your business’s safety infrastructure and demonstrate a serious commitment to protecting lives, property, and operations. With expert support from Fire Security Services, your business can stay compliant, prepared, and confident in the face of any emergency.
Ensure your next trial evacuation is carried out professionally, thoroughly, and with clear feedback—because safety is everyone's responsibility.