Iowa Code Title III. Public Services and Regulation [Chs. 80-122C] § 100.31. Fire and tornado drills in schools--warning systems--inspections

1. It shall be the duty of the director and the director's designated subordinates to require all private and public school officials and teachers to conduct not less than four fire drills and not less than four tornado drills in all school buildings during each school year when school is in session; and to require the officials and teachers of all schools to keep all doors and exits of their respective rooms and buildings unlocked when occupied during school hours or when such areas are being used by the public at other times. Not less than two drills of each type shall be conducted between July 1 and December 31 of each year and not less than two drills of each type shall be conducted between January 1 and June 30 of each year.

2. Every school building with two or more classrooms shall have a warning system for fires of a type approved by the underwriters' laboratories and by the director. The warning system shall be used only for fire drills or as a warning for emergency. Schools may modify the fire warning system for use as a tornado warning system or shall install a separate tornado warning system. Every school building shall also be equipped with portable fire extinguishers, with the type, size and number in accordance with national fire protection association standards and approved by the director.

3. The director or the director's deputies shall cause each public or private school, college, or university to be inspected at least once every two years to determine whether each school meets the fire safety standards of this Code and is free from other fire hazards. Provided, however, that cities which employ fire department inspectors shall cause such inspections to be made.