Practice makes perfect Published April 24, 2009 By Tinker Fire Department TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Emergency Evacuation drills, why do we need them and what mandates them? When we were kids we did them in school, but probably didn't think much about why we were doing them. The teacher told us it was a good thing to do, so we did them. Emergency evacuation drills are still a requirement in many facilities. Many times we don't think much about what we are doing, but the need to practice is still valid. When a building gets filled with smoke from a fire, you can't see six inches in front of you. If you have practiced an evacuation route, it should come to you by memory. In today's world, there are a multitude of events that may require us to exit our work or dormitory area quickly. A quick and orderly evacuation can ensure your survival. Requirements for fire and evacuation drills are covered by two primary sources, the Uniform Fire and OSHA, both are applicable to Tinker, but the frequency required for drills varies. What can you do as an individual? As a supervisor? It's simple. Make sure everyone knows what to do by practicing evacuation drills. It doesn't necessarily require activation of the fire alarm. Look around your work and living spaces for the egress/exit routes. Check them occasionally if you haven't used them recently. Your instinct in an emergency is to leave the way you came in. Being mentally prepare will help you in an emergency. Think, "What would I do if there was a crisis right now and I couldn't leave the way I came in?" The answer will set you free.