If we make an announcement prior to activating the fire alarm system for a fire drill, is that considered an announced or unannounced fire drill?
A drill can still be considered unannounced if there is only a two- or three-minute preannouncement alerting staff that a fire drill is pending. This would inform staff who are actively serving patient needs that within a few minutes, the fire alarm may sound, preventing adverse outcomes related to the alarms. The Joint Commission permits this very short preannouncement. The Joint Commission does permit announced drills—ones announced far enough in advance that pre-planning activities could take place—for up to 50% of the fire drill requirement (see EC.5.30, EP 4).
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