fire drill etymology

Etymology:

  • "Fire" from Old English "fýr" or "fyr" (fire)
  • "Drill" from Middle English "drill" or "drillen" (to drill, bore, pierce)

Meaning:

A fire drill is a planned evacuation procedure designed to ensure the safe and orderly evacuation of occupants from a building in the event of a fire.

Origin:

The concept of fire drills has been around for centuries, but the term "fire drill" itself is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century.

Historical Development:

  • 1871 Great Chicago Fire: The devastating fire led to increased attention on fire safety measures, including the need for evacuation procedures.
  • 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago: Fire drills were held regularly during the exposition, showcasing the importance of organized evacuations.
  • Early 20th Century: Fire drills became more common in schools, workplaces, and public buildings.
  • 1913 Factory Fire in New York City: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire highlighted the need for more stringent fire safety regulations, including mandatory fire drills.
  • 1970s and 1980s: Increased focus on occupational safety and health led to the adoption of national fire safety standards and enforcement of fire drill requirements.

Today, fire drills are an essential part of fire safety plans in all types of occupancies, helping to prepare occupants to respond effectively to a fire emergency and save lives.

fire drill relate terms

  • drill

    Etymology The word drill derives from the Middle English word dryllen meaning to pi

  • fire

    Etymology The word fire comes from the Old English fīr which is ultimately derived

  • fiery

    Etymology The word fiery derives from the Old French word fiëre meaning fierce o

  • water

    Etymology The word water originates from the Old English word wæter which is deriv

  • Chinese

    Etymology The word Chinese is derived from the Sanskrit word Cina which was first u

  • igneous

    Etymology The word igneous originates from the Latin word ignis which means fire

  • incendiary

    Etymology The word incendiary comes from the Latin word incendiarius which means ar

  • auger

    Etymology The word auger originates from the Old French word augier or augor whic

  • empyrean

    Etymology The word empyrean comes from the Greek word empyros ἐμπύριος w

  • flame

    Etymology The word flame comes from the Old English word fleame which meant a smal

  • burn

    Etymology The word burn comes from the Old English word byrnan which means to burn

  • Salem

    Etymology and Meaning The name Salem is of Hebrew origin and is derived from the word

  • inexorable

    Etymology The word inexorable comes from the Latin word inexorabilis which means u

  • obvious

    Obvious Etymology Middle English obviouse from Latin obvius meaning in the way