Perfect planning prevents peril. That simple, alliterative statement can apply to many scenarios, but it is essential for workplaces, homes, and residential complexes. Without a fire security plan, you leave your employees, family, and residents vulnerable. Proactivity is critical in fire safety, as is clear communication. Fortunately, there are simple, straightforward steps that building managers, homeowners, and security teams can take to ensure your workplace or home has a safe and accessible fire security plan. See below for a sampling of five tips you can enact with ease to guarantee the safety of your facilities.
1 Invest in Fire Alarm Systems, Smoke Detector Alarms, and Sprinklers
Choosing suitable systems is listed first as it is the most important step any workplace or home can take. Purchase at least smoke detector alarms for your home and consider a complete fire alarm and burglar system. For commercial buildings, a fire alarm is required at a minimum. A fire alarm system and sprinklers with pull stations are generally required for schools, restaurants, offices, workplaces, and apartment or condo complexes. These should be accessible to all at chest level, and the size of your complex will dictate how many you should install. Have a fire alarm or security company let you know what is required when in doubt. Just as important as installing these systems is testing them regularly, so you know they will function in case of an emergency.
2 Follow Local Fire Codes
Different areas will have different fire codes. Some sites, such as wildfire-prone areas, might be more sensitive than others. Typically, the local fire inspector will be doing annual inspections to pick up on deficiencies. They will walk through your space to analyze escape routes, fire doors, the functionality of detectors and alarms, and more. Be sure to take notes as you want to absorb what they recommend to pass it on to your residents and staff. Any identified deficiencies should be corrected by a licensed fire alarm company and a licensed locksmith for problems with doors or door hardware.
3 Denote Certain Employees for Fire Safety Training
Designate a number of building or facility staff members to be trained in fire safety, which might also be a part of the fire inspection visit. The training should include knowing escape routes, learning how to check fire alarms, and using a fire extinguisher. For the latter, remember the acronym PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. Those four steps (pulling the pin on the extinguisher, aiming at the base of the fire, squeezing the lever, and sweeping side to side) can help put out fires quickly and save lives.
4 Have an Annual Fire Safety Meeting
Once a year, building or safety managers should lead residents and employees through fire safety training. A complete training program will include several steps such as practicing with a fire extinguisher, walking through escape routes, and pointing out the locations of the buildings’ fire alarms, extinguishers, and detectors. A planned, annual training will ensure residents, employees and management alike feel confident in fire security plans.
5 Print Clear Signage
People in your facilities should see signage on a day-to-day basis, so they are familiar with where to look in case of an emergency. This signage should include directions pointing to fire escapes, maps of the building with evacuation routes and fire extinguishers noted, and phone numbers for building management to call as needed.
Fire safety plans help keep your building safe, and residents and employees feel better with expertly installed detectors and gear. Contact The Security Professionals to see what safety technology we offer and to learn how we can assist in your fire security plans.