Micro-drill

A 10 to 20-minute micro-drill every quarter trains your family to act automatically in real emergencies. This guide includes 3 drill types, an interactive countdown timer and a post-exercise checklist.

Practice saves lives

A 10 to 20-minute micro-drill every quarter trains your family to act automatically in real emergencies. When panic sets in, your body follows what it has practised. Do not wait for a real emergency to find out whether your plan works.

3 drill types

Home evacuation (10 min)

  • Sound the alarm (whistle or shout "Evacuate!")
  • Grab your emergency bag
  • Exit via the primary or alternative route
  • Meet at the assembly point
  • Do a headcount

Family communication (10 min)

  • Simulate network outage (switch off phones)
  • Test PMR446 radio
  • Contact everyone on the agreed channel
  • Confirm everyone responds
  • Test the alternative assembly point

Neighbourhood (20 min)

  • Sound the alarm in the neighbourhood (whistle)
  • Check on vulnerable neighbours
  • Communicate via phone tree
  • Meet at the assembly point
  • Quick report on participants

Countdown timer

10:00

Time remaining

Detailed script: home evacuation

Minute 0: Sound the alarm

  • Use a whistle or shout "Evacuate!"
  • Everyone must stop what they are doing immediately

Minutes 0-2: Grab emergency bags

  • Each person picks up their pre-packed emergency bag
  • Put on sturdy, closed-toe shoes if possible

Minutes 2-4: Exit via the planned route

  • Use the primary evacuation route
  • Check the alternative route if the primary is blocked
  • Never use the lift

Minutes 4-6: Gather at the assembly point

  • Everyone heads to the agreed assembly point
  • Bring pets if applicable

Minutes 6-8: Headcount

  • Verify that everyone is present
  • Identify who is missing and why

Minutes 8-10: Quick debrief

  • What went well?
  • What needs improving?
  • Note observations in the report

Post-drill checklist

Checks after the exercise

Action report

Fill in after each drill (print or photograph)

  • Drill date: ___/___/______
  • Drill type: Evacuation / Communication / Neighbourhood
  • Number of participants: ______
  • Total time: ______ minutes
  • What went well:
  • 1. ___________________________________________
  • 2. ___________________________________________
  • 3. ___________________________________________
  • What needs improving:
  • 1. ___________________________________________
  • 2. ___________________________________________
  • 3. ___________________________________________
  • Next drill date: ___/___/______

Recommended frequency

When and how to practise

  • Once per quarter: schedule a micro-drill every 3 months
  • Alternate between the 3 types: evacuation, communication and neighbourhood
  • At least 1 night drill per year: evacuating in the dark is very different
  • Involve children: turn the exercise into a game so they learn without fear
  • Add to calendar