Clarification on State Evacuation Drill Requirements

AHCA Disaster Planning Consultants received additional clarification on specific aspects of the new evacuation drill requirements that went into effect on July 1, 2014.  Previously the requirement was that all residents of SNF and ALF had to be evacuated to the exterior of the building during the two evacuation drills required per year. ADHS clarified the requirement as follows:

  • Evacuation of residents to the exterior of the building is not required when the building is equipped with rated smoke compartments.  Rather, evacuation from one smoke compartment to another is acceptable along with vertical evacuation downward within the facility, when applicable.
  • A sequenced evacuation drill can be conducted when a building has multiple wings or multiple floors.
  • Stand-ins or “actors” cannot be used in replacement of real SNF or ALF residents during evacuation drills.

If you have any questions, or need additional information, please contact Stan Szpytek, AHCA Life Safety and Disaster Planning Consultant at [email protected] of 708.707.6363.