Fire Preparedness

In today’s business world, there is an increasing emphasis being placed on the use of computers and electrical equipment.  As industries continue to push toward overhauling and updating their data systems, there is a greater risk for electrical fire.  In addition many companies maintain a vast amount of combustible and flammable materials in the work place. It is important to have training in Fire Preparedness.

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Fire Preparedness Plan

With this in mind, everyone must be aware of what to do in the event that fire is ignited.  There are two specific cases that need to be addressed when discussing Fire Preparedness:

Fire Preparedness: During Working Hours

Upon discovery of a fire, the following procedures should be followed:

  1. Immediately dial 911 and report the fire to the local fire department.
  2. Report the fire to the nearest ERT Chairman or Department Manager.
  3. The fire should be investigated by either A or B, and a decision should be made as to whether or not the building should be evacuated.
  4. If the fire cannot be extinguished locally, the ERT Coordinator, or one of the Chairmen will be responsible for evacuating the premises.
  5. The manual alarms should be activated at this time.  (The employees should be aware of the location of these alarms – they are generally found near all stairway exits).
  6. All employees should vacate the building by way of the nearest stairwell, and report to their designated areas immediately.

DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS!!!

Fire Preparedness: During Non-Working Hours

Upon discovery of a fire, the following procedures should be followed:

  1. Immediately dial 911 and report the fire to the local fire department.
  2. If the fire is small in size, an attempt should be made to extinguish it with the use of portable extinguisher.NOTE:  HOWEVER, THAT IF THE FIRE IS LARGE, AND RAPIDLY SPREADING, DO NOT TRY TO EXTINGUISH IT – LEAVE THE BUILDING!!!
  3. Notify anyone in the office or building of the fire, and instruct them to exit the building immediately.
  4. The manual alarms should be activated at this time.  The employees should be aware of the location of these alarms.
  5. If the fire cannot be extinguished locally, exit the building by way of the nearest stairwell.

 

DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS!!!

 

In the event that the smoke detectors or manual alarms are activated, everyone should proceed with the evacuation procedure.  It is highly beneficial to everyone to test these procedures occasionally, and determine the efficiency of this routine.  It is also suggested that everyone in the building be aware of the nearest alarms, extinguishers and exits.  One more recommended course of action that would help minimize losses in a fire is to have the sprinkler, or extinguishing system, as well as the detection systems, periodically tested to confirm that they are operating properly.  Following these procedures will help facilitate the manner in which a small fire is extinguished, as well as help expedite a calm and speedy evacuation of the premises in the event of a larger fire.

If Building Fire Alarm is Activated or Someone Informs You of a Fire

  • Walk to the nearest exit. Do not use the elevators.
  • If able, assist people with special needs.
  • Notify emergency personnel if you know or suspect someone is trapped or still inside the building.
  • Assemble outside at the Area of Gathering away from the building and do not attempt to re-enter the building until authorized to do so by the emergency responders.

If Caught in Smoke

  • Drop to hands and knees and crawl towards the nearest exit.
  • Stay low, smoke will rise to ceiling level first.
  • Hold your breath as much as possible; breathe through your nose and use a filter such as a shirt, towel or handkerchief.

If Trapped in a Room

  • Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
  • Wet and place cloth material around or under the door to help prevent smoke from entering the room.
  • If the room has an outside window, be prepared to signal to someone outside.

Clothing on Fire (Stop, Drop and Roll)

  • Direct or assist a person to roll around on the floor to smother the flames.
  • Only drench with water if a laboratory safety shower is immediately available.
  • Obtain medical attention. Call x66911.
  • Report incident to supervisor.

Using a Fire Extinguisher

Only use a fire extinguisher if the fire is very small and you have been trained to do so safely. If you cannot put out the fire, leave immediately and make sure the building alarm is activated and emergency personnel are notified.

We hope these tips on Fire Preparedness help you prepare for this type of disaster in the future.