National Fire Prevention Month - Education
Have a Professional Facility Fire Safety Assessment
A professional fire safety assessment will look at the campus facility to identify needs and deficits concerning fire and life safety needs. While public facilities are required to meet local, state, and national levels, that does not mean that there are not additional needs that should be met.
October is National Fire Prevention Month, and while the main focus is to help prevent residential fires, it is also a good time to revisit fire safety and prevention in the campus setting. The observance provides an excellent opportunity to reevaluate fire safety measures and plans, make necessary adjustments, and provide education and training to make campuses even safer. Even with the increase in regulations and vastly improved fire detection technologies commercial fires remain a problem, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).
Tips to Improve Fire Safety in the Educational Setting:
Have a Professional Facility Fire Safety Assessment
A professional fire safety assessment will look at the campus facility to identify needs and deficits concerning fire and life safety needs. While public facilities are required to meet local, state, and national levels, that does not mean that there are not additional needs that should be met.
Get the Advise of a Fire and Life Safety Professional
It is important to have a security system professional look at your facility and make recommendations, provide instruction on usage, and explain system capabilities.
Provide Proper Training
Don’t assume that employees will know how to react in an emergency. Provide training, and practice the processes regularly.
Practice Your Evacuation Plan Frequently
In addition to using posted building maps and lighted exit signs, prepare and regularly practice an emergency evacuation plan with your building/business occupants. It is important to practice more than meeting a minimum so all students receive training. The more a plan is practiced, the more quickly and safely it can be executed in an emergency.
Practice Kitchen Safety
The vast majority of fires start in the kitchen, whether in the breakroom or commercial kitchen setting. Ensure that safety measures in kitchens are strictly enforced.
Remove Clutter
Clutter contributes to fires by providing fuel and by preventing access to exits and emergency equipment.
Have Designated Smoking Areas
Smoke only in designated areas, and extinguish smoking materials safely. Never smoke in storerooms or chemical storage areas.
Have Fire Extinguishers
Maintaining the appropriate type and number of fire extinguishers and learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher.
Remove Electrical Hazards
Many fires start in faulty wiring and malfunctioning electrical equipment. Ensure that all electrical cords and equipment are in good condition and are being properly used.
Practice Chemical Safety
Use and store chemicals safely. Read the label and the Material Safety Data Sheet to determine flammability and other fire hazards. Provide adequate ventilation when using and storing these substances.
Important Fire and Security Technologies for the Campus Setting
While most educational facilities generally have fewer elements that typically cause fires, they also have areas of increased concern, such as having many buildings across a large area and a large number of people on the grounds during operating hours. Because of this, mass notification and communication systems are an important complement to fire and life safety systems and professional monitoring.
The very real threat of fire and its effects demands that we do all that to prevent it. Call SSP today to find out how to protect your campus better! 1-888-540-0175
