15 Fire Drill Moments That Never Go as Planned
Let’s be honest: when the fire alarm blares, most of us instantly forget every safety tip we’ve ever heard and transform into contestants on a bizarre reality show. Instead of a smooth exit, you get chaos, confusion, and at least one person who thinks now is the time to finally finish that email.
Here are some of the most hilarious—and head-scratching—things people do during fire drills. If you spot yourself on this list, don’t worry. We’ve all been there.
Pretending it’s just a fire-themed coffee break
The alarm goes off, and suddenly it’s Starbucks o’clock. Some folks grab their mugs and stroll out like they’re heading to a coffee tasting, not an evacuation.
There’s always that person who slow-walks with their cup, savoring each step as if the hallway just opened a new espresso bar. Meanwhile, the exit signs are screaming, “This is not a latte run!”
Taking selfies in front of the ‘exit’ sign
Nothing says “emergency” like a good selfie, right? Some people see the glowing EXIT sign and think it’s the perfect backdrop for their next profile pic.
While they’re busy finding their best angle, everyone else is piling up behind them. Sorry, but the only filter you need is “get out fast.”
Slow-walking as if the building’s a tourist attraction
Why rush when you can take in the sights? Some people treat fire drills like a guided tour, admiring the peeling paint and mysterious stains as if they’re at a museum.
Every step is a chance to dawdle, window-gaze, or maybe spot a hidden artifact (spoiler: it’s just a lost stapler). No trophies for slowest evacuation, but hey—at least your Fitbit thinks you’re moving.
Using the drill to solve all team disagreements
Fire alarm = instant office therapy session. As soon as everyone’s outside, someone decides it’s the perfect time to argue about who keeps stealing pens.
Instead of escaping, you’re stuck in a parking lot debate about coffee etiquette and microwave crimes. Save the drama for after you’ve made it to safety!
Packing their desk bags like it’s a sudden vacation
You’d think the fire drill was a surprise trip to the Bahamas. People start stuffing laptops, snacks, and three weeks’ worth of supplies into their bags.
If you see someone packing like they’re never coming back, just remind them: it’s a drill, not a packing challenge. Leave the flip-flops behind.
Holding full-on conversations mid-evacuation
Apparently, escaping a “burning” building is the perfect time for a deep dive into last night’s TV show or weekend plans.
Chatting in the hallway slows everyone down. Save the gossip for after you’ve made it outside—preferably far away from imaginary flames.
Checking their watches like a bored game show contestant
Some folks act like they’re stuck in the world’s slowest waiting room, staring at their watches and sighing dramatically.
No, there’s not a prize for fastest exit or most annoyed face. Sorry, you can’t fast-forward through this episode.
Bragging about how ‘fast’ they evacuated last drill
There’s always one person who claims they could win Olympic gold in fire drill sprints. They’ll tell anyone who’ll listen about their “record time” last month.
Meanwhile, everyone else is just trying not to trip over their own feet. Fast is good, but calm and orderly is better—no medals awarded for style points.
Claiming credit for starting the drill they caused
Someone burns popcorn or presses the wrong button, then acts like they orchestrated a heroic safety test.
They’re basking in imaginary glory while everyone else is freezing outside, wondering if their lunch will ever be warm again. Maybe keep your “hero” speech for another time, Captain Charred Snack.
Going back inside to grab ‘just one thing’
“I’ll be out in a sec, I just need my phone… and my lunch… and maybe that sweater.” Famous last words before turning a drill into a rescue mission.
Every second you spend inside is a second you could spend not being the main character in a cautionary tale. Your pizza will survive without you.
Ignoring the alarm because it’s ‘probably a false alarm’
The alarm goes off and some people don’t even blink. “It’s just another test,” they say, as if fire has a schedule.
Ignoring alarms is like playing the world’s worst game of roulette. One day, it won’t be a drill—and you don’t want to be the punchline.
Using fire drills as a chance to stretch or nap
Some folks see a fire drill as a golden opportunity for a yoga session or an impromptu nap.
Stretching out in the hallway or snoozing at your desk might be relaxing, but it’s a terrible way to practice emergency skills. Save the downward dog for after you’re safe outside.
Trying to unlock their office from outside windows
The alarm sounds, and somebody decides to try their luck as a secret agent, fiddling with office windows from the outside.
Unless you’re auditioning for a spy movie, this is not the time to test your lock-picking skills. Doors exist for a reason—use them!
Next time the alarm blares, remember: fire drills aren’t auditions for reality TV, vacation packing, or spontaneous therapy sessions. Just get out, stay safe, and save the drama (and selfies) for later.
Treating fire drills like an Olympic sprint event
Ever notice how fire drills turn into the office version of the 100-meter dash? Suddenly, everyone thinks they’re auditioning for the next Olympics.
People start sprinting down hallways, elbowing past coworkers, and tripping over invisible obstacles. Spoiler alert: there’s no gold medal waiting outside.
This isn’t a race. If you slow down, you might actually remember which exit to use instead of just following the herd to the vending machines.
The real goal? Get out safely, dignity intact, and maybe with your coffee still in hand. Walk briskly, but save your inner Usain Bolt for the company picnic.
Yelling ‘fire’ to prank coworkers during drills
Ever had the urge to spice up a boring fire drill? Maybe you thought yelling “fire!” would turn you into the office comedian.
Spoiler alert: it mostly turns you into the office chaos coordinator. Suddenly, people are clutching their coffee mugs like life rafts and sprinting for the exits.
The confusion is real. Some folks are halfway out the door, others are just standing there wondering if they should finish their emails first.
It’s all fun and games until someone gives you that “really?” look and HR starts writing your name on a sticky note. Five seconds of fame, a lifetime of awkward elevator rides.
If you’re looking for laughs, maybe stick to swapping out someone’s pen with a carrot. At least that won’t get you banned from the next fire drill.
