CFC · California Fire Code
How are lockdown plans approved and what must they contain?
In plain terms for a homeowner: The California Fire Code allows lockdown plans only if the local fire official approves them. An approved plan must list who can call and end a lockdown, what threats it covers, how people are told (using a signal different from the fire alarm), which doors will be secured and how, how to communicate and account for people, how to notify the fire department if egress is affected, and how drills and training will be done. Plans must be kept current and available on site.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
Lockdown plans may only be used when approved by the fire code official — this is the controlling rule in § 404.2.3. The code then requires specific contents for any approved plan (listed in § 404.2.3.1) and requires that lockdown drills be conducted in accordance with the approved plan (see § 404.2.3.2) . Maintenance, availability and distribution requirements for these plans are found nearby in the code (see § 404.3 and § 404.4) .
The single most important rule: A lockdown plan is allowed only if the fire code official approves it, and the plan must contain the specific elements listed in § 404.2.3.1.
Requirements in detail
First-mention notes: Lockdown plan, Lockdown, fire code official, and the controlling sections § 404.2.3, § 404.2.3.1, and § 404.2.3.2 are bolded above. The list below is a plain-English synthesis of the code-mandated elements you must include in a CFC-compliant lockdown plan.
Required elements (high level)
- Who can order or terminate a lockdown (authorization) — § 404.2.3.1 (1) and (9) .
- Which normal security measures could interfere with egress or fire operations — § 404.2.3.1 (2) .
- A description of threat types and tailored lockdown procedures for each — § 404.2.3.1 (3) .
- How a lockdown is initiated and how occupants are notified — distinct from the fire alarm — § 404.2.3.1 (4) and (4.1) .
- Which doors/access points will be secured and how they will be secured, including compliance with egress and accessibility rules — § 404.2.3.1 (4.2)–(4.4) .
- Procedures for notifying the fire department of any lockdown condition that affects egress or fire operations — § 404.2.3.1 (5) .
- Procedures for accounting for occupants (reporting presence/absence) to emergency responders during lockdown — § 404.2.3.1 (6) .
- Two-way communications between a central location and each secured area — § 404.2.3.1 (7) .
- A prearranged signal and identified person(s) to terminate lockdown, plus procedures to restore egress to normal after termination — § 404.2.3.1 (8), (9), (10) .
- Training and the frequency of lockdown drills (and a requirement that drills follow the approved plan) — § 404.2.3.1 (11) and § 404.2.3.2 .
Decision table — what you must document in the plan
| Decision / Design dimension | What to include (decision-relevant) | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Who may order lockdown | Name/title of authorized individual(s) | § 404.2.3.1 (1) |
| Which normal security measures may affect egress | List and description (e.g., magnetically locked doors in normal ops) | § 404.2.3.1 (2) |
| Threat types addressed | Enumerate threats (e.g., active assailant, bomb threat) and procedure for each | § 404.2.3.1 (3) |
| Lockdown activation / occupant notification | Method(s) to initiate + a notification system distinct from fire alarm | § 404.2.3.1 (4), (4.1) |
| Doors/access points to secure | Identify each door/access point to be secured | § 404.2.3.1 (4.2) |
| How doors/access points will be secured | Describe locking hardware/methods and compliance with egress/accessibility | § 404.2.3.1 (4.3)–(4.4) |
| Reporting to fire dept. | Procedure to report any condition that affects egress/fire ops | § 404.2.3.1 (5) |
| Occupant accounting | How to determine/report who is present or missing (to responders) | § 404.2.3.1 (6) |
| Two-way communications | Method to provide two-way comms between central location and each secured area | § 404.2.3.1 (7) |
| Termination signal & authority | Prearranged termination signal + who may terminate | § 404.2.3.1 (8)–(9) |
| Restoring normal egress | Steps to unlock doors and verify egress returned to normal | § 404.2.3.1 (10) |
| Training & drills | Training procedures, drill frequency; drills must follow approved plan (not a substitute for fire drills) | § 404.2.3.1 (11) and § 404.2.3.2 |
Additional plan-management items (nearby code requirements)
- Plans must be reviewed/updated annually or when staff, occupancy, or building arrangement changes — § 404.3 .
- Plans must be available on-site and furnished to the fire code official on request; owners must distribute to tenants and building service employees — § 404.4 and § 404.4.1 .
Exceptions & special cases
- The code does not itself exempt specific occupancies from needing an approved plan; rather, it allows lockdown plans only if the fire code official approves the plan and the plan meets § 404.2.3.1 .
- The code requires the occupant notification for lockdown to be distinct from the fire alarm signal (so you cannot use the fire alarm tone to signal lockdown) — § 404.2.3.1 (4.1) .
- The code does not prescribe which technology (e.g., magnetic locks, classroom door locks, intercoms) must be used — it requires documentation of the method and demonstration that the chosen method complies with egress and accessibility rules in the code (§ 404.2.3.1 (4.3)–(4.4)) .
If you need a specific exception for a given occupancy type (hospital, detention, school, etc.), the CFC includes separate, additional requirements elsewhere (for example, Group I or Group E requirements) — consult the applicable occupancy sections in Chapter 4; those are outside the three controlling subsections requested here and should be checked in the full code text.
Common mistakes
- Treating the fire alarm as the lockdown signal. The code explicitly requires the lockdown notification to be distinct from the fire alarm signal (§ 404.2.3.1 (4.1)) .
- Leaving out identification of who can order or terminate lockdown. The plan must name the authorized individuals (§ 404.2.3.1 (1) and (9) ) .
- Failing to describe how locking methods comply with egress/accessibility rules — the plan must include this description (§ 404.2.3.1 (4.4)) .
- Assuming lockdown drills substitute for fire/evacuation drills. Lockdown drills “shall not be substituted for fire and evacuation drills required by Section 405.3” (§ 404.2.3.2) .
- Not keeping the plan current or available — the code requires annual review or sooner when changes occur (§ 404.3) and availability/distribution to staff and the authority having jurisdiction (§ 404.4, § 404.4.1) .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A medium-sized school building with 12 classrooms, 4 exterior access doors, and a central office.
What the plan must include (example entries tied to the code):
- Authorized personnel: Principal and vice principal can issue lockdown; principal only can terminate — documented in plan (complies with § 404.2.3.1 (1) and (9)) .
- Security measure inventory: Magnetic hold-open devices on 4 corridor doors that release on fire alarm — document these and note potential adverse effects on egress (§ 404.2.3.1 (2)) .
- Threat procedures: Active assailant = classroom lockdown, office notifies 911 and the fire department per the reporting procedure; bomb threat = account for all occupants and prepare for staged evacuation — per § 404.2.3.1 (3) and (5)–(6) .
- Notification: A distinct lockdown tone and a prerecorded PA announcement, separate from the fire alarm tone, plus text alerts — documented and tested per § 404.2.3.1 (4)–(4.1) .
- Securing doors: Identify the 4 exterior access points and classroom doors to be latched; specify that classroom door hardware allows immediate egress from inside and does not violate egress code — documenting compliance per § 404.2.3.1 (4.2)–(4.4) .
- Two-way comms: Install intercom stations (central office ⇄ each classroom) or provide radios so the office can communicate with each secured area — satisfies § 404.2.3.1 (7) .
- Drills & training: The plan specifies quarterly lockdown drills and training for staff; drills are run per the approved plan and are recorded — note: the code requires drills follow the approved plan but does not itself prescribe the specific quarterly frequency (the frequency in this example is the school's choice documented in the plan) — see § 404.2.3.1 (11) and § 404.2.3.2 .
- Restoration: The principal issues the prearranged termination signal and staff follow documented unlocking procedures and a roll-call verification to ensure egress returned to normal — per § 404.2.3.1 (8)–(10) .
- Plan maintenance & availability: The school principal schedules annual review and makes the plan available to staff and the fire code official on request — per § 404.3 and § 404.4 .
Important note: The CFC does not specify which exact locking hardware or communication brand to use — it requires that the plan describe the chosen method and demonstrate compliance with egress/accessibility requirements (§ 404.2.3.1 (4.3)–(4.4)) .
Related provisions
- § 404.3 — Plan maintenance: annual review/updates when necessary .
- § 404.4 — Availability of plans on-site and furnishing to the fire code official .
- § 404.2.2 — Fire safety plan contents (fire-specific requirements that a building’s overall plan must include) — relevant when coordinating lockdown with fire strategies .
- § 405.3 — Fire and evacuation drill requirements (lockdown drills do not replace these) — see linkage in § 404.2.3.2 .
- Chapter 403 (e.g., occupancy-specific requirements) — may add special requirements for schools, healthcare, detention, etc.; check the occupancy sections that trigger a plan requirement (see Chapter 4/Section 403) .
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 404.2.3 High relevance — show source text
404.2.3 Lockdown plans. Lockdown plans shall only be permitted where such plans are approved by the fire code official and are in compliance with Sections 404.2.3.1 and 404.2.3.2.
404.2.3.1 Lockdown plan contents. Lockdown plans shall include the following:
Identification of individuals authorized to issue a lockdown order.
Security measures used during normal operations, when the building is occupied, that could adversely affect egress or fire department operations.
A description of identified emergency and security threats addressed by the plan, including specific lockdown procedures to be implemented for each threat condition.
Means and methods of initiating a lockdown plan for each threat, including: 4.1. The means of notifying occupants of a lockdown event, which shall be distinct from the fire alarm signal. 4.2. Identification of each door or other access point that will be secured. 4.3. A description of the means or methods used to secure doors and other access points. 4.4. A description of how locking means and methods are in compliance with the requirements of this code for egress and accessibility.
Procedures for reporting to the fire department any lockdown condition affecting egress or fire department operations.
Procedures for determining and reporting the presence or absence of occupants to emergency response agencies during a lockdown.
Means for providing two-way communication between a central location and each area subject to being secured during a lockdown.
Identification of the prearranged signal for terminating the lockdown.
Identification of individuals authorized to issue a lockdown termination order.
Procedures for unlocking doors and verifying that the means of egress has been returned to normal operations upon termination of the lockdown.
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- Training procedures and frequency of lockdown plan drills.
404.2.3.2 Drills. Lockdown plan drills shall be conducted in accordance with the approved plan. Such drills shall not be substituted for fire and evacuation drills required by Section 405.3.
404.3 Maintenance. Fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plans shall be reviewed or updated annually or as necessitated by changes in staff assignments, occupancy or the physical arrangement of the building.
404.4 Availability. Fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plans shall be available in the workplace for reference and review by employees, and copies shall be furnished to the fire code official for review on request.
404.4.1 Distribution. The fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plans shall be distributed to the tenants and building service employees by the owner or owner’s agent. Tenants shall distribute to their employees applicable parts of the fire safety plan and lockdown plan affecting the employees’ actions in the event of a fire or other emergency.
404.5 College and university pre-fire planning. The Chancellor, President, or his designated representative, shall, in cooperation with the enforcing agency, propose procedures to be followed in case of fire or other emergency in accordance with the provisions of Section 403.9.2.1.1.
404.6 Office buildings. All office buildings two or more stories in height, except high-rise buildings as defined by Health and Safety Code Section 13210, shall comply with this section.
CFC § 4.6. High relevance — show source text
4.6. Manual fire alarm boxes.
4.7. Portable fire extinguishers. 4.8. Occupant-use hose stations.
4.9. Fire alarm annunciators and controls.
A list of major fire hazards associated with the normal use and occupancy of the premises, including maintenance and housekeeping procedures.
Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance of systems and equipment installed to prevent or control fires.
Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance, housekeeping and controlling fuel hazard
sources.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(a)(2)] Fire Drills. (Group E Occupancies)
(a) Group E Occupancies.
(2) Emergency Pre-Fire Planning. Each school principal, district superintendent or day nursery manager shall, in cooperation with the enforcing agency, prepare procedures to be followed in case of fire or other emergency. They should include the following:
(A) Posting of the telephone number of the fire department in the office and/or at the main switchboard.
(B) Assignment of a responsible person to call the fire department upon notification of any fire or activation of the alarm system for any reason other than fire drills.
(C) Posting in a conspicuous place in each classroom or assembly area a plan showing paths of travel to evacuate the room in case of emergency and including an alternate route.
(D) Posting in each classroom instructions to be followed by the teacher. These should include: 1. Maintaining of order during evacuation. 2. Removal of roll call book and calling of roll when designated evacuation area is reached.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(b)] Fire Drills. (College and University)
(b) College and University Pre-Fire Planning. The Chancellor, President, or his designated representative, shall, in cooperation with the enforcing agency, propose procedures to be followed in case of fire or other emergency in accordance with the provi- sions of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 3.13 (a)(2).
404.2.3 Lockdown plans. Lockdown plans shall only be permitted where such plans are approved by the fire code official and are in compliance with Sections 404.2.3.1 and 404.2.3.2.
404.2.3.1 Lockdown plan contents. Lockdown plans shall include the following:
Identification of individuals authorized to issue a lockdown order.
Security measures used during normal operations, when the building is occupied, that could adversely affect egress or fire department operations.
A description of identified emergency and security threats addressed by the plan, including specific lockdown procedures to be implemented for each threat condition.
Means and methods of initiating a lockdown plan for each threat, including: 4.1. The means of notifying occupants of a lockdown event, which shall be distinct from the fire alarm signal. 4.2. Identification of each door or other access point that will be secured. 4.3. A description of the means or methods used to secure doors and other access points. 4.4. A description of how locking means and methods are in compliance with the requirements of this code for egress and accessibility.
Procedures for reporting to the fire department any lockdown condition affecting egress or fire department operations.
Procedures for determining and reporting the presence or absence of occupants to emergency response agencies during a lockdown.
Means for providing two-way communication between a central location and each area subject to being secured during a lockdown.
CFC § 404.1 High relevance — show source text
404.1 General. Where required by Section 403 or other sections of this code, fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plans shall comply with Sections 404.2 through 404.4.1.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.10] Evacuation of Buildings.
Upon notification of fire, conduct of any fire drill, upon activation of the fire alarm, or upon orders of the fire authority having jurisdic- tion, buildings or structures within the scope of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall be immediately evacuated or occupants shall be relocated in accordance with established plans.
404.2 Contents. Fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plan contents shall be in accordance with Sections 404.2.1 through 404.2.3.2.
404.2.1 Fire evacuation plans. Fire evacuation plans shall include the following:
- Emergency egress or escape routes and whether evacuation of the building is to be complete by selected floors or areas only or with a defend-in-place response.
- Procedures for employees who must remain to operate critical equipment before evacuating.
- Procedures for the use of elevators to evacuate the building where occupant evacuation elevators complying with Section 3008 of the California Building Code are provided.
- Procedures for assisted rescue for persons unable to use the general means of egress unassisted.
- Procedures for accounting for employees and occupants after evacuation has been completed.
- Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for rescue or emergency medical aid.
- The preferred and any alternative means of notifying occupants of a fire or emergency.
- The preferred and any alternative means of reporting fires and other emergencies to the fire department or designated emergency response organization.
- Identification and assignment of personnel who can be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan.
- A description of the emergency voice/alarm communication system alert tone and preprogrammed voice messages, where provided.
404.2.2 Fire safety plans. Fire safety plans shall include the following:
- The procedure for reporting a fire or other emergency.
- The life safety strategy including the following: 2.1. Procedures for notifying occupants, including areas with a private mode alarm system. 2.2. Procedures for occupants under a defend-in-place response. 2.3. Procedures for evacuating occupants, including those who need evacuation assistance.
- Site plans indicating the following: 3.1. The occupancy assembly point. 3.2. The locations of fire hydrants. 3.3. The normal routes of fire department vehicle access.
- Floor plans identifying the locations of the following:
4.1. Exits.
4.2. Primary evacuation routes. 4.3. Secondary evacuation routes.
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4.4. Accessible egress routes. 4.4.1. Areas of refuge.
4.4.2. Exterior areas for assisted rescue.
4.5. Refuge areas associated with smoke barriers and horizontal exits.
4.6. Manual fire alarm boxes.
4.7. Portable fire extinguishers. 4.8. Occupant-use hose stations.
4.9. Fire alarm annunciators and controls.
CFC § 4-11 Medium relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 4-11
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EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
- Training procedures and frequency of lockdown plan drills.
404.2.3.2 Drills. Lockdown plan drills shall be conducted in accordance with the approved plan. Such drills shall not be substituted for fire and evacuation drills required by Section 405.3.
404.3 Maintenance. Fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plans shall be reviewed or updated annually or as necessitated by changes in staff assignments, occupancy or the physical arrangement of the building.
404.4 Availability. Fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plans shall be available in the workplace for reference and review by employees, and copies shall be furnished to the fire code official for review on request.
404.4.1 Distribution. The fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plans shall be distributed to the tenants and building service employees by the owner or owner’s agent. Tenants shall distribute to their employees applicable parts of the fire safety plan and lockdown plan affecting the employees’ actions in the event of a fire or other emergency.
404.5 College and university pre-fire planning. The Chancellor, President, or his designated representative, shall, in cooperation with the enforcing agency, propose procedures to be followed in case of fire or other emergency in accordance with the provisions of Section 403.9.2.1.1.
404.6 Office buildings. All office buildings two or more stories in height, except high-rise buildings as defined by Health and Safety Code Section 13210, shall comply with this section.
404.6.1 Owner(s) or operator(s) shall employ either one of the following methods of providing emergency procedures and informa- tion to the building occupants: 1. Emergency procedures information published in the form of a leaflet, brochure or pamphlet shall be available to all persons entering the building. Emergency procedures information shall be located immediately inside all entrances to the building, as determined by the authority having jurisdiction. Locations shall be clearly marked. 2. A floor plan providing emergency procedures information shall be posted at every stairway landing, at every elevator land- ing and immediately inside all public entrances to the building. The information shall be posted so that it describes the represented floor level and can be easily seen immediately upon entering the floor level of the building. Emergency proce- dures information shall be printed with a minimum of [3] / 16 -inch high nondecorative lettering providing a sharp contrast to the background.
404.6.1.2 Emergency procedures information shall provide all ambulatory, nonambulatory and the physically disabled instruc- tions to be followed in the event of an emergency. Emergency procedures information shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. Location of exits.
2. Location of fire alarm initiating stations, if required. 3. What the fire alarm, if required, sounds and looks like (audible and visual warning devices). 4. Fire department emergency telephone number 911. 5. The prohibition of elevator use during emergencies, if any.
_**404.6.2 Hotels, motels and lodging houses.
CFC § 403.12.1 Medium relevance — show source text
403.12.1 Staff training and evacuation plan. Every organized camp shall institute fire training programs for all employees in the use of all fire extinguishing equipment and methods of evacuation, and shall establish procedures which shall, as far as possible, be followed in the event of fire or any other emergency. If located in a forest area a plan shall be prepared for the evacuation of the camp in case of an approaching forest fire or other emergency.
403.12.2 Resident training. Within 24 hours after arrival, every group of persons attending an organized camp shall be made famil- iar with the method by which the fire alarm may be activated and with the procedures to be followed upon notification of fire.
403.12.3 Fire drills. At least 1 fire drill shall be held within 24 hours of the commencement of each camping session. Additional drills shall be conducted at least once each week thereafter. When sessions exceed a 7-day period, at least 1 drill shall be held during night- time sleeping hours.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(c)(1)] Fire Drills. (Organized Camps)
(c) Organized Camps. (1) Every organized camp shall institute fire training programs for all employees in the use of all fire extinguishing equip- ment and methods of evacuation, and shall establish procedures which shall, as far as possible, be followed in the event of fire or any other emergency. If located in a forest area a plan shall be prepared for the evacuation of the camp in case of an approaching forest fire or other emergency.
SECTION 404—FIRE SAFETY, EVACUATION AND LOCKDOWN PLANS
404.1 General. Where required by Section 403 or other sections of this code, fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plans shall comply with Sections 404.2 through 404.4.1.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.10] Evacuation of Buildings.
Upon notification of fire, conduct of any fire drill, upon activation of the fire alarm, or upon orders of the fire authority having jurisdic- tion, buildings or structures within the scope of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall be immediately evacuated or occupants shall be relocated in accordance with established plans.
404.2 Contents. Fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plan contents shall be in accordance with Sections 404.2.1 through 404.2.3.2.
404.2.1 Fire evacuation plans. Fire evacuation plans shall include the following:
- Emergency egress or escape routes and whether evacuation of the building is to be complete by selected floors or areas only or with a defend-in-place response.
- Procedures for employees who must remain to operate critical equipment before evacuating.
- Procedures for the use of elevators to evacuate the building where occupant evacuation elevators complying with Section 3008 of the California Building Code are provided.
- Procedures for assisted rescue for persons unable to use the general means of egress unassisted.
- Procedures for accounting for employees and occupants after evacuation has been completed.
- Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for rescue or emergency medical aid.
- The preferred and any alternative means of notifying occupants of a fire or emergency.
- The preferred and any alternative means of reporting fires and other emergencies to the fire department or designated emergency response organization.
CFC § 401.9 Medium relevance — show source text
401.9 Evacuation of buildings. Upon notification of fire, conduct of any fire drill, upon activation of the fire alarm, or upon orders of the fire authority having jurisdiction, buildings or structures within the scope of these regulations shall be immediately evacuated or occu- pants shall be relocated in accordance with established plans.
SECTION 402—DEFINITIONS
402.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILL .
LOCKDOWN .
SECTION 403 —EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS REQUIREMENTS
403.1 General. In addition to the requirements of Section 401, occupancies, uses and outdoor locations shall comply with the emergency preparedness requirements set forth in Sections 403.2 through 403.10.6 . Where a fire safety and evacuation plan is required by Sections 403.2 through 403.10.6, evacuation drills shall be in accordance with Section 405 and employee training shall be in accordance with Section 406.
403.2 Group A occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group A occupancies, other than those occupancies used exclusively for purposes of religious worship with an occupant load less than 2,000, and for buildings containing both a Group A occupancy and an atrium. Group A occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.2.1 through 403.2.4.
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403.2.1 Seating plan. In addition to the requirements of Section 404.2, the fire safety and evacuation plans for assembly occupancies shall include a detailed seating plan, occupant load and occupant load limit. Deviations from the approved plans shall be allowed provided that the occupant load limit for the occupancy is not exceeded and the aisles and exit accessways remain unobstructed.
403.2.2 Announcements. In theaters, motion picture theaters, auditoriums and similar assembly occupancies in Group A used for noncontinuous programs, an audible announcement shall be made not more than 10 minutes prior to the start of each program to notify the occupants of the location of the exits to be used in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Exception: In motion picture theaters, the announcement is allowed to be projected on the screen in a manner approved by the fire code official.
403.2.3 Fire watch personnel. Fire watch personnel shall be provided where required by Section 403.11.1.
403.2.4 Crowd managers. Crowd managers shall be provided where required by Section 403.11.3.
403.3 Group B occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for buildings containing a Group B occupancy where the Group B occupancy has an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge and for buildings having an ambulatory care facility.
403.3.1 Ambulatory care facilities. Ambulatory care facilities shall comply with the requirements of Sections 401, 403.3.1.1 through 403.3.1.2 and 404 through 406.
CFC § 403.6 Medium relevance — show source text
403.6 Group H occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group H occupancies.
403.6.1 Group H-5 occupancies. Group H-5 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.6.1.1 through 403.6.1.4.
403.6.1.1 Plans and diagrams. In addition to the requirements of Section 404 and Section 407.6, plans and diagrams shall be maintained in approved locations indicating the approximate plan for each area; the amount and type of HPM stored, handled and used; locations of shutoff valves for HPM supply piping; emergency telephone locations and locations of exits.
403.6.1.2 Plan updating. The plans and diagrams required by Sections 404, 403.6.1.1 and 407.6 shall be maintained up-todate and the fire code official and fire department shall be informed of major changes.
403.6.1.3 Emergency response team. Responsible persons shall be designated as an on-site emergency response team and trained to be liaison personnel for the fire department. These persons shall aid the fire department in preplanning emergency responses, identifying locations where HPM is stored, handled and used, and be familiar with the chemical nature of such material. An adequate number of personnel for each work shift shall be designated.
403.6.1.4 Emergency drills. Emergency drills of the on-site emergency response team shall be conducted on a regular basis but not less than once every three months. Records of drills conducted shall be maintained.
403.7 Group I occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group I occupancies. Group I occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.1 through 403.7.3.6.
403.7.1 Group R-2.1 occupancies. Group R-2.1 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.1.1 through 403.7.1.4.
403.7.1.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. Plans shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:
- Procedures for full evacuation of care recipients.
- In Group R-2.1, Condition 2, procedures for staged evacuation of care recipients through a refuge area in an adjacent smoke compartment and then to an exterior assembly point.
- Shall be amended or revised upon admission of any resident care recipient with unusual needs.
403.7.1.1.1 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2:
- Location and number of care recipient sleeping rooms.
- Location of special locking arrangements.
403.7.1.2 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by staff at intervals not exceeding three months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly upon entrance to duty.
Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.
CFC § 403.7 Medium relevance — show source text
403.7 Group I occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group I occupancies. Group I occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.1 through 403.7.3.6.
403.7.1 Group R-2.1 occupancies. Group R-2.1 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.1.1 through 403.7.1.4.
403.7.1.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. Plans shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:
- Procedures for full evacuation of care recipients.
- In Group R-2.1, Condition 2, procedures for staged evacuation of care recipients through a refuge area in an adjacent smoke compartment and then to an exterior assembly point.
- Shall be amended or revised upon admission of any resident care recipient with unusual needs.
403.7.1.1.1 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2:
- Location and number of care recipient sleeping rooms.
- Location of special locking arrangements.
403.7.1.2 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by staff at intervals not exceeding three months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly upon entrance to duty.
Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.
403.7.1.3 Resident training. Residents capable of assisting in their own evacuation shall be trained in the proper actions to take in the event of a fire. In Group R-2.1, Condition 2 occupancies, training shall include evacuation through an adjacent smoke compartment and then to an exterior assembly point. The training shall include actions to take if the primary escape route is blocked. Residents shall be trained to assist each other in case of fire to the extent their physical and mental abilities permit them to do so without additional personal risk.
403.7.1.4 Drill frequency. In addition to the evacuation drills required in Section 405.3, staff shall participate in drills an additional two times a year on each shift. Twelve drills with all occupants shall be conducted in the first year of operation.
403.7.2 Group I-2 occupancies. Group I-2 occupancies shall comply with 403.7.2.1 through 403.7.2.5.
403.7.2.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire safety and evacuation plans required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. Plans shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:
- Procedures for evacuation for care recipients with needs for containment or restraint and post-evacuation containment, where present.
- A written plan for maintenance of the means of egress.
- Procedure for a defend-in-place strategy.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 4-5
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
CFC § 403.10.4 Medium relevance — show source text
403.10.4 Buildings using occupant evacuation elevators. In buildings using occupant evacuation elevators in accordance with Section 3008 of the California Building Code, the fire safety and evacuation plan and the training required by Sections 404 and 406, respectively, shall incorporate specific procedures for the occupants using such elevators.
403.10.5 Buildings with high-piled storage. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared for buildings with high-piled combustible storage in any of the following situations:
- The high-piled storage area exceeds 500,000 square feet (46 450 m [2] ) for Class I-IV commodities.
- The high-piled storage area exceeds 300,000 square feet (27 870 m [2] ) for high-hazard commodities.
- The high-piled storage is located in a Group H occupancy.
- The high-piled storage is located in a Group F occupancy with an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
- The high-piled storage is located in a Group M occupancy with an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
- Where required by the fire code official for other high-piled storage areas.
403.10.6 Lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for occupancies that involve activities for the research and development, testing, manufacturing, handling or storage of lithium-ion batteries or lithium metal batteries, or the repair or servicing of vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries or lithium metal batteries.
Exceptions: A fire safety and evacuation plan is not required for the storage or merchandizing of any of the following:
New or refurbished batteries installed for use in the equipment or vehicles they are designed to power.
New or refurbished batteries packed for use with the equipment or vehicles they are designed to power for merchandizing purposes.
New or refurbished lithium-ion batteries rated at not more than 300 watt-hours and lithium metal batteries containing not more than 25 grams of lithium metal in their original retail packaging.
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- The storage, repair and charging activities in detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, provided that such devices are for personal use.
- The storage, repair and charging activities associated with personal use in sleeping units and dwelling units of Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies.
403.10.6.1 Mitigation planning. The approved fire safety and evacuation plan shall include thermal runaway event mitigation measures. These measures shall include activities undertaken to prevent thermal runaway, early detection of a thermal runaway event and mitigation measures to be undertaken to limit the size and impact of the event on occupants and the facility.
403.11 Special requirements for public safety. Special requirements for public safety shall be in accordance with Sections 403.11.1 through 403.11.3.3.
CFC § 1305.2.3.3 Medium relevance — show source text
2, 1305.2.3.3, 1305.2.4.1, 1305.2.5, 1305.2.5.1, 1305.2.6, 1305.2.7.1, 1305.2.8, 1305.2.9, 1305.2.9.1, 1305.2.10, 1305.2.10.1, 1305.2.11, 1305.2.11.1, 1305.2.12.1, 1305.2.13, Table 1305.2.15, 1305.2.15.1, 1305.2.16.1, 1305.2.17, 1305.2.17.1, 1305.2.18, 1305.2.18.1, 1305.2.19, Table 1305.2.19, 1305.2.20, 1305.2.20.1, 1307.1.1, 1401.2, 1402.1, 1402.2, 1402.2.1, 1402.3, 1402.4, 1402.5, 1402.6, 1501.5, 1504.1.1, 1504.1.4.1, 1504.1.7, 1509.1, 1509.3, 1510.1
CEC — 25 : California Energy Code
302.2, 702.7, 708.1, 809.1, 907.1, 1104.1
CFC—25: California Fire Code
101.2.2, 101.4.2, 301.3.1, 302.2, 307.1, 308.1, 802.2.1, 802.2.3, 803.2.3, 803.4.1.1, 803.4.1.2, 803.4.1.3, 803.4.1.4, 803.4.1.5, 803.4.1.6, Table 804.5.1.1(1), 904.1.5, 1011.6.1.1, 1303.1.2, 1305.2.8.1, 1305.2.14, 1305.2.14.1, 1401.2, 1501.1, 1501.5, 1502.1, 1502.1.1, 1502.2, 1502.3, 1504.1, 1507.1, 1507.2
CMC—25: California Mechanical Code
302.2, 702.7, 807.1, 902.1.1, 1008.1, 1305.2.7.1, 1305.2.8, 1305.2.8.1
CPC—25: California Plumbing Code
302.2, 408.1, 702.7, 1009.1, 1009.2, 1009.3, 1009.5, 1302.1.6, 1503.1
CFC § 4-5 Medium relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 4-5
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
- Procedures for a full-floor or building evacuation, where necessary.
- In Group I-2, Condition 2, amendments or revisions upon admission of any care recipients with unusual needs.
403.7.2.2 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2:
- Location and number of care recipient sleeping rooms and operating rooms.
- Location of special locking arrangements.
403.7.2.3 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by staff at intervals not exceeding three months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly upon entrance to duty.
Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.
403.7.2.4 Emergency evacuation drills. Emergency evacuation drills shall comply with Section 405.
403.7.2.5 Fire loss prevention in operating rooms. Fire protection features and procedures for fire loss prevention in surgical operating rooms shall comply with NFPA 99, Section 16.13.
403.7.3 Group I-3 occupancies. Group I-3 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.3.1 through 403.7.3.6.
403.7.3.1 Fire safety and evacuation plans. The fire safety and evacuation plans required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. Plans shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:
- Procedures for evacuation of detainees with needs for containment or restraint and post-evacuation containment, where present.
- Procedures for a defend-in-place strategy.
- Procedures for a full-floor or building evacuation, where necessary.
403.7.3.2 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include both of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2:
Location and number of cells.
Location of special locking arrangements.
403.7.3.3 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by staff at intervals not exceeding 3 months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly upon entrance to duty.
Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.
403.7.3.4 Staffing. Group I-3 occupancies shall be provided with 24-hour staffing. A staff person shall be within three floors or 300 feet (91 440 mm) horizontal distance of the access door of each resident housing area. In Group I-3 Conditions 3, 4 and 5, as defined in Chapter 2, the arrangement shall be such that the staff involved can start release of locks necessary for emergency evacuation or rescue and initiate other necessary emergency actions within 2 minutes of an alarm.
CFC § 403.4.2 Medium relevance — show source text
They should include the following:_ 1. Posting of the telephone number of the fire department in the office and/or at the main switchboard. 2. Assignment of a responsible person to call the fire department upon notification of any fire or activation of the alarm system for any reason other than fire drills. 3. Posting in a conspicuous place in each classroom or assembly area a plan showing paths of travel to evacuate the room in case of emergency and including an alternate route. 4. Posting in each classroom instructions to be followed by the teacher. These should include: 4.1. Maintaining of order during evacuation. 4.2. Removal of roll call book and calling of roll when designated evacuation area is reached.
403.4.2 First emergency evacuation drill. The first emergency evacuation drill of each school year shall be conducted within 10 days of the beginning of classes.
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403.4.3 Time of day. Emergency evacuation drills shall be conducted at different hours of the day or evening, during the changing of classes, when the school is at assembly, during the recess or gymnastic periods, or during other times to avoid distinction between drills and actual fires.
403.4.4 Assembly points. Outdoor assembly areas shall be designated and shall be located a safe distance from the building being evacuated so as to avoid interference with fire department operations. The assembly areas shall be arranged to keep each class separate to provide accountability of all individuals.
403.5 Group F occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for buildings containing a Group F occupancy where any of the following conditions apply:
- The Group F occupancy has an occupant load of 500 or more persons.
- The Group F occupancy has an occupant load of more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
- Group F pallet manufacturing and recycling facilities as required by Section 2810.
403.6 Group H occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group H occupancies.
403.6.1 Group H-5 occupancies. Group H-5 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.6.1.1 through 403.6.1.4.
403.6.1.1 Plans and diagrams. In addition to the requirements of Section 404 and Section 407.6, plans and diagrams shall be maintained in approved locations indicating the approximate plan for each area; the amount and type of HPM stored, handled and used; locations of shutoff valves for HPM supply piping; emergency telephone locations and locations of exits.
403.6.1.2 Plan updating. The plans and diagrams required by Sections 404, 403.6.1.1 and 407.6 shall be maintained up-todate and the fire code official and fire department shall be informed of major changes.
403.6.1.3 Emergency response team. Responsible persons shall be designated as an on-site emergency response team and trained to be liaison personnel for the fire department. These persons shall aid the fire department in preplanning emergency responses, identifying locations where HPM is stored, handled and used, and be familiar with the chemical nature of such material. An adequate number of personnel for each work shift shall be designated.
Frequently asked questions
Who must approve a lockdown plan?
The fire code official must approve any lockdown plan before it is permitted — this is the controlling requirement in § 404.2.3 .
Does the code require a specific lock type or brand?
No. The code requires the plan to describe the means or methods used to secure doors and to state how those methods comply with egress and accessibility requirements, but it does not prescribe specific hardware or brands (§ 404.2.3.1 (4.3)–(4.4)) .
Can the fire alarm be used to signal a lockdown?
No. The plan must use a notification method distinct from the fire alarm signal to indicate a lockdown (§ 404.2.3.1 (4.1)) .
Are lockdown drills required to follow the same schedule as fire drills?
No. Lockdown drills must be conducted in accordance with the approved lockdown plan and cannot substitute for the fire/evacuation drills required by § 405.3 (§ 404.2.3.2) .
How often must the plan be updated?
The code requires plans be reviewed or updated annually or as necessitated by changes in staff assignments, occupancy, or physical arrangement of the building (§ 404.3) .
More in California Fire Code
- Administration and Definitions
- General Requirements and Emergency Planning
- Fire Service Features and Fire Department Access
- Referenced Standards and Adoptable Appendices (Chapter 80; Appendices A–Q)
- Fire and Smoke Protection Features (fire‑resistance, barriers)
- Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
- Fire Protection and Life‑Safety Systems (sprinklers, alarms, smoke control)
- Means of Egress (exit design and maintenance)
- Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (retrofit rules)
- Energy Systems and Stationary Energy Storage (ESS)
- Special Occupancies and Operations (chapters 20–41, 48–49)
- Hazardous Materials — Storage, Use and Handling (Chapters 50–67)
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