Fire Prevention

Fire Prevention Week, this year October 5-11, has been observed since 1922 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred Oct. 8-9 in 1871. An even larger fire occurred on the same day -- the Peshtigo Fire, the most devastating forest fire in American history. The fire prevention campaign now lasts all of October, so you have plenty of time to check your evacuation and other safety plans and, most important, to practice them, as well as to make any updates necessary. And don't forget to share this week's info with your employees so they can make plans at home.

All the facts you wanted to know about fire... and some you didn't. (Item #1)     Make sure everyone at home knows what to do in case of fire. (Item #2)     Fire safety practices can save jobs. (Item #3)    

Being proactive and implementing simple fire prevention plans and programs can reduce the likelihood of experiencing a fire in the workplace. (Item #4)     You no doubt have fire extinguishers in your building, but do your employees know how to use them? (Item #5)     This item provides good information on evacuating during a fire; it could help save lives. (Item #6)    

As always, we look forward to hearing your comments & insights regarding business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. Fast Facts about Fire

These facts, compiled by the National Fire Prevention Association, give a broad overview of the types of fires, the number of deaths and injuries from various kinds of fires, and remind us that, even if we have a fire escape plan, most of us have never practiced it.
http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/fire-prevention-week/fast-facts-about-fire

2. Escape Planning

Plan Ahead! If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire
http://www.nfpa.org/~/media/Files/Safety%20information
/Safety%20tip%20sheets/escapeplanningtips.pdf

3. Twelve Fire Prevention Tips for Workers

Fire safety is an important workplace topic throughout the year. While death and injury are the greatest risks and the ones with which most people are familiar, fires also destroy jobs. In fact, many of the workplaces that are destroyed by fire are never rebuilt. Here are some general tips for a fire-safe workplace to share with your employees.
http://blog.safetysmart.com/2014/01/12-fire-prevention-tips-workers/

4. Workplace Fire Safety: Make a Plan to Reduce the Risk

Although fire safety is especially important in the summer, fire risk in the workplace is a serious concern all year round. Each year there are approximately 70,000 to 80,000 serious workplace fires in the United States, resulting in more than 200 deaths and more than 5,000 injuries. The good news is that many workplace fires are preventable.
http://www.cbia.org/go/member-services/risk-management/workplace-fire-safety-make-a-plan-to-reduce-the-risk/

5. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

There is a high chance of your encountering an out-of-control fire at least once in your life, so knowing how to use a fire extinguisher is an important skill to be able to resort to. This article explains the process of using a fire extinguisher in an emergency.
http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Fire-Extinguisher

6. Facts about Building Evacuation

As with any situation in our daily lives, you are ultimately in control of your fate to a great degree. Thus, you are largely responsible for your own personal safety based upon the circumstances. Detailed procedures, verbal instructions and even past experience may not be adequate to help you deal with extraordinary events. This article answers many questions you might have about evacuating in a fire.
http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/occupancies/high-rise-buildings/faqs-about-building-evacuation