Some experts also encourage the use of numerical scores when evaluating drills to show which areas may need more emphasis. Most staff members are aware that when a drills sounds, they need to check all patient sleeping rooms in the event an evacuation is necessary. You also want to make sure your staff is properly trained to close patient room doors when an alarm sounds. Make sure whatever method you use is recognized by employees, Fasano said. Some suggestions include drawing a line on the door with an erasable marker or putting a pillow at the base of the door.
Pillows are an easy item to find in most patient rooms.
And fire safety experts advise that whatever way you choose to mark doors, make sure it is put in the emergency plan beforehand and that employees are prepared. You don't want staff members to run around looking for an erasable marker during an alarm. Any roster of workers will do. Fasano also said drills should include quizzing staff members on the locations of fire extinguishers, evacuation destinations, and fire alarm pull stations.