What is Perkins
A school for the blind in Massachusetts with a separate program for DeafBlind students.
Unannounced drills, even at night
The first drill of the year is unannounced. Dorm drills also happen at night and early morning.
Each drill records whether students noticed the alarm and how many minutes it took.
Repeat with your body, not signs
Even with braille signs, many students cannot read braille, so they learn routes by walking them.
Each student has their own exit. After moving, they practice the new route.
Routine, practice, repetition.Perkins DeafBlind program staff, Oct 2, 2026
Some dangers you cannot sense
People who cannot smell may not notice smoke. Reduced pain sense can hide burns.
That is why alarms and practice matter even more.
Try at home
Practice evacuating with family or a supporter, once at night too.
Write down whether you noticed and how long it took. You will get faster.
Based on the Twili team's visit to Perkins School for the Blind on October 2, 2026.