Free Social Stories for Fire Drills
Fire drills are one of the most stressful school experiences for children with autism, ADHD, or sensory sensitivities. The sudden, loud alarm — combined with the need to quickly change routine — can trigger panic, meltdowns, or freezing. Social stories prepare children by walking them through exactly what happens during a fire drill, so the real event feels familiar instead of terrifying.
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Browse all free storiesFrequently Asked Questions
Fire drills combine three things that are especially difficult for children with autism: an extremely loud, unexpected noise (sensory overload), an abrupt change in routine (transition difficulty), and a crowded, chaotic environment. Social stories address all three by making the drill predictable and providing coping strategies for each challenge.
Read it the week before a scheduled fire drill if your school shares the schedule. If not, read it periodically throughout the year so your child is always prepared. Many teachers read it as part of safety week or at the start of each term.
Social stories can be personalized to include noise-canceling headphones or ear defenders as part of the fire drill routine. This normalizes the accommodation and helps the child feel prepared rather than singled out.
Want a personalized story for your child?
GrowTale creates custom social stories featuring your child's name, appearance, and specific situation — from $2.99 per story.
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