Q&A for How to React to a Fire Alarm at School (Kids)

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I get anxious when hearing fire alarms, what can I do?

Melissa Matos
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Melissa Matos is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Long Beach, California. With over ten years of experience, she specializes in rehabilitation psychology and helping individuals adapt and thrive while living with a chronic health condition or disability. She has presented nationally on the psychological aspects of living with chronic health conditions including social stigma and concealment in apparent and non-apparent differences. She was also recently featured in Bald Life magazine where she discussed mental health awareness and alopecia areata. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University, Los Angeles, her MA in Psychology from Chapman University, and her BA in Psychology from California State University-Fullerton. Dr. Matos is a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist and is licensed to practice psychology in California. She is a member of the American Psychological Association and Division 22 Rehabilitation Psychology of the American Psychological Association. She is also listed in the National Register as a Health Service Provider in Psychology.

Melissa Matos

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Expert Answer

You can manage fire alarm anxiety by focusing on stress reduction techniques like deep breathing and gradually desensitizing yourself by listening to fire alarm recordings in a safe environment. Remember that loud alarms are normal, so stay calm and follow your teachers' instructions when fire alarm scenarios happen.

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Question

Will I get in trouble for talking or whispering during the fire drill?

Gamer_Galaxies

Community Answer

You mainly get in trouble for talking or whispering during a lockdown. It may be best not to talk or whisper during the drill because a teacher may be giving directions.

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Question

What if I get in trouble?

Community Answer

You should only pull the fire alarm if you are in danger. You will get in trouble if you pull it for no reason, as that is dangerous and against school policies.

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Question

How far away from the school building do students and staff have to be during a fire?

Community Answer

Students and staff should get as far away from the building as possible while still practicing basic safety (like staying out of roadways). Each school should have its own evacuation plan in place, including a meeting point for students and staff that have exited the building.

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Question

What if somebody faints?

Community Answer

Try to wake them up and shout for help from someone who can help them.

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What should I do if my school does not have an evacuation plan?

Community Answer

Every school should have an evacuation plan. Ask your teacher what you should do in case of fire. In general, you just want to proceed to the nearest exit in a calm and orderly fashion.

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Question

If I am in the class and the fire alarm goes off as a TA, what emergency action should I take?

Gamer_Galaxies

Community Answer

You should pay attention to the teachers when they tell you where to go.

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Question

My school has fire drills each month. What should I do if I'm worried the fire alarm will go off when I'm in the bathroom?

Community Answer

Ask your teacher what procedure you will need to follow if this happens. You can also ask when drills are going to occur so you can use the bathroom ahead of time.

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Question

Is it safe to walk upstairs if there is a fire to check if classrooms are empty?

Community Answer

No. You don't want to get hurt or trapped. Your teachers are most likely in charge of emptying the classrooms.

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Question

What will happen if I talk when there is a fire in the school going on?

Community Answer

Nothing much. As long as you don’t flat out yell or push anyone. Also ,you can talk all you want outside if you’re in high school.

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Question

What would we do if there was fire in the school building and a large tornado outside?

Community Answer

Evacuate because the fire is too dangerous and tornadoes can last 9-10 minutes, while fires can get out of hand in 2-3 minutes. Get inside another building or storm cellar and far away from the building but close enough to quickly get inside. However, this type of problem is rare and has never happened in US school history.

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Question

What to do when the fire alarm goes off in school and you are in the bathroom?

Ava Jenkins

Community Answer

Just get out as fast as you can. If you cannot leave the bathroom because there is a fire outside the door, wet a paper towel and put that over your nose and mouth to keep out smoke. Yell and scream so somebody can find you.

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