As a security company serving the sophisticated needs of the residential and commercial sectors, we’re familiar with a wide range of security needs, and one of the most important of those needs is fire prevention and protection. This month is National Fire Prevention Month and we’d like to take a few moments to provide a few important tips to help you protect your home or business from fire.
Our goal is to encourage businesses to:
- Raise fire safety awareness
- Develop fire prevention strategies
- Implement the right technologies
- Take corrective measures
The Threat is Real
While we’ve made great strides in fire prevention and detection technologies and practices, fire and its serious effects remain a huge concern. According to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration, while the number of overall fires and injuries is down, the number of deaths and loss is up.
What You Need to Know About Residential Fires
U.S. fire departments respond to nearly 2 million fires each year, with three-quarters of them occurring in residences. These fires result in the deaths of more than 4,000 Americans each year and approximately injure 20,000 more. Shockingly, much of the loss, injury, and deaths caused by fire could be avoided with the right plans and tools in place.
Top Residential Fire Prevention Tips
- Have a fire system professionally installed
- Check the batteries in your alarms monthly
- Opt into professional monitoring
- Use electrical circuits or extension cords properly
- Unplug appliances when not in use
- Keep dryer vents clean and free of lint
- Store flammable chemicals safely away from sources of ignition
- Ensure that all heat using appliances are well-cleared of flammable materials
- Never leave food cooking unattended
- Have and practice an escape plan
- Make sure all exits can be opened and are accessible
Top Tips to Improve Fire Safety in the Commercial Setting:
Have a Professional Facility Assessment
No business is alike, even ones in the same industry so the particulars you in a professional assessment will uncover will help determine your specific fire and security needs.
Make Sure Your System is Up to Date
It is important to have a security system professional look at your facility and make recommendations. There may be new offerings better suited to your needs.
Provide Fire System Training
Ensure that your employees are trained to use fire and life safety systems and how to respond in an emergency.
Have an Evacuation Plan
In addition to using posted building maps and lighted exit signs, prepare and regularly practice an emergency evacuation plan with your building/business occupants. 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 break room or commercial kitchen setting. Ensure that safety measures in kitchens are strictly enforced.
Declutter
Practice good workplace housekeeping. Clutter contributes to fires by providing fuel and by preventing access to exits and emergency equipment.
Have Fire Extinguishers
Maintaining the appropriate type and number of fire extinguishers and learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher. Frequently, fires start small and locally and can be extinguished at its earliest stages when a fire extinguisher is available.
Remove Electrical Hazards
Many fires start in faulty wiring and malfunctioning electrical equipment. Perform regular maintenance of all equipment and wiring to ensure its safe usage.
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.
Once started, fires are unpredictable, swift, and damaging. However, the vast majority of fires can be prevented with the proper technologies and protocols. Call Hoffman today to learn more about today’s sophisticated fire technologies.
