Why Emergency Drills Matter More Than You Think
When emergencies happen, people don’t rise to the occasion—they fall to the level of their training. That’s why routine emergency drills, like evacuation and tornado shelter exercises, are one of the most important preparedness tools a company can implement.
Are Emergency Drills Required?
OSHA requires employers to maintain a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP) under 29 CFR 1910.38. This includes procedures for evacuation, accounting for employees, and training staff on their roles. However, OSHA does not specifically mandate fire or tornado drills on a regular basis. Local fire codes or insurance carriers may impose additional requirements.
Even when not legally required, emergency drills are strongly recommended by FEMA, the National Weather Service, and industry best practices. In high-risk regions, tornado shelter drills should be practiced at least annually—preferably before the peak season.
The Insurance Connection
Insurance providers often request evidence of emergency preparedness during risk assessments. Companies that regularly conduct and document drills may qualify for lower premiums or favorable underwriting. In the event of a serious incident, a well-executed drill record can demonstrate due diligence, helping to defend against liability claims.
Timing and Performance Expectations
For most facilities, a well-run evacuation drill should be completed in under five minutes. Some industries aim for three. Time benchmarks depend on building layout, occupancy, and risk level. Shelter-in-place drills (such as for tornados) should emphasize speed, communication, and crowding control, with a goal of full sheltering in three minutes or less.
What Makes a Drill Effective?
A drill is more than just sounding the alarm. To be effective, several things must happen:
Clear roles and responsibilities for evacuation leaders and accountability personnel
Pre-designated rally points or shelters known to all employees
A method of taking attendance, including procedures for visitors and temporary workers
Observation and timing by safety staff or managers
Documentation of performance and any issues encountered
A post-drill debrief to identify areas for improvement
Revisions to the emergency plan and follow-up training if needed
The Cost of Skipping Drills
When companies fail to conduct drills, the results can be tragic. Panic, confusion, miscommunication, and delays in evacuation are common in organizations that haven’t rehearsed. According to industry case studies, employees are twice as likely to make critical errors during a real emergency if they have never practiced the scenario.
Facilities that regularly run drills report higher confidence among staff, faster response times, and lower injury rates. In one documented case, a tornado hit an industrial facility, and the workers reached the shelter in under two minutes—saving lives. The company had run quarterly drills for three years prior.
Conclusion
Emergency drills are not just paperwork. They are a critical form of training that prepares people to act under stress. Whether required or not, they build muscle memory, reduce response time, and protect lives. Every minute counts during an emergency—and every drill is an investment in readiness.
Vanguard EHS recommends setting a formal schedule for evacuation and shelter drills, reviewing results, and using each exercise as a chance to make your emergency plan stronger. Your people deserve it.
