Detroit Fire Department evacuation drill exercises help prepare residents and our business community for emergencies

Detroit Fire Department hosts dozens of evacuation drills each year in partnership with our business community
Building owners can request Detroit Fire Department host an evacuation drill at their facility

The Detroit Fire Department’s Public Instruction Unit today hosted an evacuation drill at The Assembly on West Fort, to help prepare the building’s security team and occupants for an emergency should one occur. The unit, which falls under the Fire Marshal Division of the Detroit Fire Department (DFD), hosts dozens of similar exercises throughout the year at publicly and privately-owned buildings all over the City of Detroit.

“Fire safety is not just about preventing a fire, it’s also about helping ensure those who work, live and play in Detroit are prepared in case a fire does in fact break out,” said Detroit Fire Marshal Don Thomas. “Captain Davis and our Public Instruction Unit has done a great job really taking our evacuation drill program to the next level, and we thank them for their hard work.”

DFD evacuation drill pic1 — Captain Edward Davis, head of the Detroit Fire Department Public Instruction Unit stands ready to greet evacuees ahead of an evacuation drill at The Assembly on West Fort.

Bedrock, one of Detroit’s premier real estate developers, owners of The Assembly and a great civic partner, has been one of the Detroit Fire Department’s most reliable and consistent customers when it comes to ensuring evacuation drills are held at their facilities on a regular basis. “It’s clear Bedrock means business when it comes to safety,” said Captain Edward Davis, of DFD’s Public Instruction Unit. “Bedrock is an exceptional partner in helping us to fulfill our mission to protect and serve.”

“The safety and wellbeing of Bedrock’s tenants, team members and guests remains our top priority.” Said Chuck Wilson, chief security officer at Rock Security & Bedrock. “Working alongside the skilled first responders at the Detroit Fire Department ensures that we can fulfill this mission and maintain the integrity of our properties throughout Detroit.”

DFD evacuation drill pic2 — The Detroit Fire Department Public Instruction Unit works with building security teams in advance of the drill to come up with an evacuation plan.

Evacuation drills are typically done by the team at DFD from April through October and will be ending soon for 2024. This year alone, DFD’s Public Instruction Unit has completed evacuation drills at approximately 60 high-rise buildings throughout the city and more than 15 senior facilities. Prior to each drill, the Public Instruction Unit team members complete internal training with the building’s security team. While the security team is given a scheduled date for their drill, even they aren’t made aware of the time to create a more realistic scenario.

DFD evacuation drill pic3 — Captain Edward Davis leads the pre-evacuation plan inside Brewery Park, Phase 1 and 2.

Detroit City Charter requires buildings hold two evacuation drills per calendar year and document them. Evacuation drills are evaluated by the Public Instruction Unit from April through October, weather permitting, and are a great way to fully prepare for an emergency. Evacuation and fire safety training is conducted year-round, as requested. Either can be scheduled by calling 313-596-2968 or by email at [email protected].