12/04/2025

You Asked... We Answered

You Asked: What information must be documented on our fire drill form to meet Ohio Administrative Code 3701-17-25?  

ODH Answered: Each fire exit drill must include a written record and evaluation, and the following elements are required to be documented and kept on file for three years:

• · Date and time the drill occurred.
• · Employee attendance, identifying which staff participated.
• · Verification that the fire alarm signal was transmitted to the fire department or monitoring station.
• · Confirmation that receipt of the alarm signal was verified.
• · Simulation of emergency fire conditions, note that movement of infirm or bedridden residents is not required.
• · Training format used, such as hands-on, demonstration, or discussion based.
• · Evaluation of the drill’s effectiveness, including any gaps identified or follow-up actions needed.
• · Notation if an overnight drill (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.) used a coded announcement rather than an audible alarm.
• · Confirmation that alarms were reset following the drill.

These elements ensure the facility can demonstrate compliance, staff preparedness, and continuous improvement in emergency response procedures.