Fire Safety Tips for Schools and Churches

Plan for the people in the building

Assign staff or volunteers to assist children, visitors, and people who may need help evacuating. Keep class rosters, attendance lists, and visitor procedures current.

• Use age-appropriate evacuation instructions.
• Assign backups for every classroom or ministry area.
• Identify accessible evacuation assistance needs in advance.

Keep assembly areas accountable

Choose assembly areas away from traffic and emergency access. Use a consistent method to account for classes, groups, staff, and visitors after evacuation.

Check classrooms, sanctuaries, and kitchens

Keep exit paths open around chairs, tables, decorations, and sound equipment. Pay close attention to portable heaters, extension cords, candles, stage effects, and commercial or volunteer kitchens.

• Use listed electrical equipment correctly.
• Keep extinguisher access clear in activity and kitchen areas.
• Store props, paper, and supplies away from heat sources and electrical panels.

Practice the response

1. 1Announce or activate — Use the established alarm and emergency communication procedure.
2. 2Lead people out — Take the nearest safe exit; do not use elevators during a fire alarm.
3. 3Account at the assembly area — Use rosters or group leaders to identify who is present and missing.
4. 4Share information — Give responders the location of anyone missing and any known hazards.

Run drills appropriate to the occupancy and local rules. A drill should include substitute teachers, volunteers, and leaders who may be present only weekly.

Keep equipment and records current

Perform monthly visual extinguisher checks and schedule annual maintenance under NFPA 10 (2022 Edition). Confirm drill, occupancy, kitchen, and fire alarm requirements with the Tennessee AHJ.

Common questions

How do we account for visitors?

Assign greeters, group leaders, or office staff to maintain a simple attendance method and report missing people to responders.

Can we use candles in a church or school event?

Follow the building policy and AHJ requirements. Keep open flames controlled and away from combustibles, or use alternatives when required.

Should teachers fight a fire?

Their priority is alerting others and evacuating students. Use an extinguisher only for a small fire when it is safe and their evacuation responsibility is covered.