2009 Rhode Island Code
Title 23 - Health and Safety
CHAPTER 23-28.12 - Schools
§ 23-28.12-36 - Fire alarm systems – Fire drills – Penalties.

SECTION 23-28.12-36

   § 23-28.12-36  Fire alarm systems – Fire drills – Penalties. – (a) It shall be the duty of the principal or other person in charge of every public school or private school or educational institution within the state, having more than twenty-five (25) pupils, to instruct and train the pupils by means of drills, so that they may in a sudden emergency be able to leave the school building in the shortest possible time and without confusion or panic. There shall be fifteen (15) such drills or rapid dismissals during the school year, at least eight (8) of which shall be held during the months of September, October, and November. The remaining seven (7) such drills or rapid dismissals shall be held at the discretion of the principal or person in charge of the school. At least four (4) drills or rapid dismissals shall be obstructed, which means that one or more exits and stairways in the school building are blocked off or not used and at least two (2) of these obstructed drills shall be held during the months of September and October.

   (b) Neglect by any principal or any person in charge of any public or private school or education institution to comply with the provisions of this section shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00).

   (c) Written reports, on forms supplied by the department of elementary and secondary education, of each fire drill shall be completed immediately upon termination of every drill and shall be available for review by the fire marshal, assistant deputy fire marshal, or local fire authority. The fire marshal, assistant deputy fire marshal, or local fire authority may require that a fire drill be conducted in his or her presence.