Local Law #26 for Non-Fire Emergencies

A training exercise by which building occupants are familiarized with and/or practice the procedures for safe, orderly and expeditious sheltering in place, in-building relocation, partial evacuation or evacuation, in accordance with the emergency action plan, and to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the implementation of such plan.

Frequency of Non-Fire Emergency Drills

Non-Fire drills shall be conducted on a regular basis, as follows:

1. At least two Non-Fire Emergency drills shall be conducted within one year of the date of department acceptance of the building’s combined fire safety plan, the first of which shall be conducted within six months of such date of acceptance.
2. Beginning one year from the date of department acceptance of the building’s initial combined fire safety plan, a Non-Fire drill shall be conducted on each floor of the building at least once a year.

According to law, a stairwell familiarization drill must be conducted once every three (3) years and one simultaneous drill (all floors participate at the same time) must be conducted every three years.

Participation in Non-Fire Drills

All building occupants present on the affected floors at the time the Non-Fire drill is conducted, including visitors, shall be required to participate in such drill.

Coordination with fire drills

Non-fire drills shall be conducted separately from fire drills required for the building, and shall highlight the differences between the two and the appropriate actions to be taken by building occupants depending upon the nature of the emergency.

Recordkeeping

A written record of all drills shall be maintained in a bound log book with consecutive numbered pages, or other form of approved electronic recordkeeping, and maintained on the premises for a period of 3 years for fire drills, and 5 years for non-fire drills, and made available upon request of any department representative. An entry shall be made in such log book for each fire drill and non-fire drill that is conducted in the building that includes the following information, and such other information and documentation as the commissioner may require:

1. The name and, if applicable, certificate of fitness number of the person conducting the drill.
2. Date and time of the drill.
3. Name and title of the FLSP staff assisting in the conduct of the drill.
4. Number of occupants participating in the drill.
5. Evaluation of effectiveness of the drill, including any delays and deficiencies.
6. If evacuation was conducted, time required to accomplish evacuation.

To learn more about the benefits of Non-Fire Drills please call (212) 285-2400 for assistance.