Keep these accessible in storage areas and on the exterior of the building. Although fire drills are often considered annoying, disruptive or a waste of time, they remain the most effective way to ensure the safe and orderly egress of students and faculty in the event of a fire. Awareness and education are also critical to reduce a district from liability in such an event. NFPA 101, Life Safety Code , contains requirements for exit drills in almost all of the occupancies it covers and requires participation by the occupants. Fire And Smoke Barriers Designed to create a physical barrier to restrict products of combustion, fire and smoke barriers are critical to the structure of a school.
Effective barriers help slow the spread of a fire to allow safe egress for occupants.
Fire resistance ratings of fire barriers and the construction of smoke barriers are established by the NFPA s Life Safety Code . Opening and penetration protection is included in these requirements. Openings within a barrier can be protected by either a door or a window. Penetrations in barriers can be maintained with caulking or dampers. While caulking is usually completed during initial construction, dampers need to be tested and maintained.