Fire Prevention Week, observed this year from October 6th to 12th, raises awareness about the importance fire safety and prevention. This year’s theme, “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You,” underscores the crucial role these devices play in safeguarding our homes and workplaces. Around 60% of fire-related fatalities occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms present. Smoked alarms should be installed in every level of a building, any sleeping room and outside any sleeping area. They should be tested monthly and replaced every ten years.
Common Causes of House Fires
House fires are extremely common and can have devastating impacts on those involved. These are the leading causes of house fires along with tips to reduce risk:
- Cooking: Cooking is the number one cause of house fires. Do not exit the kitchen while food is on the stove or oven and keep your stovetop clear of anything that could catch fire.
- Heating Equipment: Space heaters, fireplaces, and woodstoves can be fire hazards if not used properly. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and keep them away from flammable materials.
- Electrical Issues: Faulty wiring and overloaded circuits can spark fires. Have a qualified electrician regularly inspect your electrical system, protect your home against arc faults and avoid using extension cords as permanent solutions.
- Smoking: Improper disposal of cigarettes is a common fire hazard. Use designated ashtrays and extinguish cigarettes completely before throwing them away.
- Candles: Candles are a common cause of house fires. Never leave them unattended and keep them away from curtains, drapes, and other flammable materials.
- Christmas Trees: Dry Christmas trees can be highly flammable. Water your tree regularly and dispose of it properly after the holidays.
Fire Prevention in the Workplace
Proactive fire prevention is crucial to protecting your employees and business assets as workplace fires can lead to loss of life, property damage and business disruption. The top workplace fire hazards include faulty electrical equipment and wiring, flammable materials, improper storage and housekeeping, blocked fire exits and inadequate fire safety equipment. Some best practices for workplace fire safety are:
- Perform regular fire hazard assessments.
- Ensure fire safety equipment and tools are up to standard and stored properly.
- Prepare employees with fire training and a fire evacuation plan.
The Importance of Fire Door Safety
Falling right before Fire Prevention Week, Fire Door Safety Week from September 23rd to 27th highlights the vital role fire doors play in building safety. Fire doors are designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, allowing precious time for evacuation. If properly installed and maintained, they may allow for 30 to 60 minutes of protection if a fire breaks out nearby. Frequent issues with fire doors include:
- Improper installation or inadequate maintenance
- Non-compliance with standards
- Blocked or propped open doors
- Missing or inadequate seals
- Damage to the door frame
- Faulty or incompatible hardware
- Lack of signage
Failure to adhere to fire door safety standards can hold grave consequences for business owners ranging from fines and insurance implications to prosecution and business closure. By following these fire safety tips and understanding the importance of fire doors, you can significantly reduce your risk of fire damage and injury.
Reach Out to an Advisor
Contact a SISCO Risk Consultant to learn more about fire prevention and how to safeguard your business and employees from fire hazards.