CDC Fire Drill & Lockdown Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a lockdown, a parent arrives at the center and demands to pick up their child. Staff should:
- Release the child immediately to reduce crowding inside
- Refuse entry and advise the parent to wait for law enforcement to give the all-clear (Correct answer)
- Unlock the door and escort the parent to the classroom quickly
- Call the child's classroom to send the child to the front lobby
Correct answer: Refuse entry and advise the parent to wait for law enforcement to give the all-clear
During an active lockdown, no one should enter or exit the building; parents must wait for authorities to declare it safe.
Question 2: What term describes the predetermined outdoor location where children gather after a fire evacuation?
- Staging zone
- Evacuation corridor
- Assembly point (Correct answer)
- Safe room
Correct answer: Assembly point
An assembly point is the designated outdoor area where all occupants gather so staff can account for everyone after evacuation.
Question 3: Which statement best describes the 'Run-Hide-Fight' framework as it applies to childcare settings?
- It is the standard fire evacuation sequence for all emergency types
- It is a last-resort framework for active threat situations, adapted to prioritize protecting children (Correct answer)
- It replaces all other emergency plans for licensed centers
- It applies only to staff, not to children or parents
Correct answer: It is a last-resort framework for active threat situations, adapted to prioritize protecting children
Run-Hide-Fight is an active shooter guidance framework; in childcare, the focus is protecting children by hiding (lockdown) as the primary response.
Question 4: A child becomes hysterical during a fire drill. The appropriate staff response is to:
- Leave the child in a safe corner of the classroom to calm down before evacuating
- Carry or guide the child along the evacuation route while calmly reassuring them (Correct answer)
- Call the child's parent immediately before completing evacuation
- Stop the drill and return all children inside to comfort the child
Correct answer: Carry or guide the child along the evacuation route while calmly reassuring them
Evacuation must continue; staff should physically assist and verbally reassure the distressed child while completing the exit.
Question 5: What is the role of a designated 'sweep staff member' during a fire evacuation?
- To stay at the assembly point and take attendance
- To notify the fire department by phone
- To check bathrooms, storage areas, and other spaces before exiting last (Correct answer)
- To retrieve emergency files from the office
Correct answer: To check bathrooms, storage areas, and other spaces before exiting last
A sweep person checks all rooms and spaces for remaining occupants before being the last to exit and close fire doors.
Question 6: In a lockdown scenario, which communication method is preferred for notifying staff internally?
- Shouting instructions through the hallway
- A pre-arranged silent signal, intercom, or text-based alert system (Correct answer)
- Sending a staff member door to door
- Emailing all staff from the director's computer
Correct answer: A pre-arranged silent signal, intercom, or text-based alert system
Silent or low-noise communication methods (intercom codes, text alerts) are preferred to avoid alerting an intruder to staff locations.
Question 7: Why must fire drill records be maintained in written form?
- So children can review them during safety lessons
- To provide evidence of compliance during licensing inspections (Correct answer)
- To submit monthly reports to the local fire marshal automatically
- To calculate the center's insurance premium
Correct answer: To provide evidence of compliance during licensing inspections
Written drill logs serve as documentation of regulatory compliance and are reviewed during state licensing inspections.
CDC Fire Drill & Lockdown Procedures 3
During a lockdown, a parent arrives at the center and demands to pick up their child.
Staff should: