Recording fire drills and alarm tests
Log monthly smoke alarm tests and fire drills, and export the record for an inspector.
Who this is for
Who this is forChildminders keeping records of smoke alarm tests and fire drills. Each record takes about a minute.
In England, the EYFS requires you to keep fire detection equipment in working order and to have an emergency evacuation procedure. Practising evacuations with the children and keeping a written record of alarm tests and drills is good practice, and shows an inspector how you meet this.
Open the Tools tab, choose Compliance Logs, then Fire Safety Log.
1. Log a smoke alarm test
Test each alarm, then tap Log Smoke Alarm. Choose Working, Battery Replaced or Faulty, and note which alarms you tested. Save.
Test your alarms once a month.
2. Log a fire drill
After a practice evacuation, tap Log Fire Drill and select the children who took part.
3. Record how it went
Enter the Evacuation Duration, any Problems Identified, and the Further Action Taken, like practising a different exit next time. Save.
4. Check your history
Both records appear at the top of Recent Activity. Tap Export Fire Safety Log to create a copy for an inspector.
⚠️Keep escape routes clear
Your records only help if the checks are real. Keep exits clear, and practise drills at different times of day, so every child takes part.
✅Why KinderStart does it this way
Logging each test and drill as you do it gives you a dated history, so you can show an inspector exactly when you checked, and what you did about any problems.
What to do next
- Safety checks and audits: your daily checks and room-by-room audit.
- Adding your policies and risk assessment: including your risk assessments.
Next guide
Logging fridge and reheating temperatures
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