October is Fire Safety Month

Fire Safety - A Hot Topic

10/1/2015

October is National Fire Safety Month and National Fire Prevention week is October 4-10, so let’s take a hot second to review these common sense tips to keep your workplaces safe.

To Keep a Fire from Happening…

Keep your work area free of waste paper, trash and other items that can easily catch fire.
Check on your electrical cords. If a cord is damaged in any way, replace it. Try not to lay cords in places where they can be stepped on, as this will contribute to deterioration of the protective outside coating.
Don't overload your circuits.
Turn off electrical appliances at the end of each day.
Only allow smoking in designated areas that have fire proof ashtrays. This will prevent a stray cigarette from starting a fire.
Never leave flammable liquids out on the floors or counters. Always use and store flammables correctly.
Check the batteries in all smoke detectors at least once a month.

If a Fire Does Happen…

Call 911 immediately and don't hand up with the emergency responder until told to do so.
Close doors when exiting to help limit the spread of smoke and fire throughout the building.
Never use elevators during an evacuation.
If you are in a building that is on fire check the door before you open it. If you can feel the heat then it is not safe to open the door. Find another exit if possible.
Use sweater, shirt, or towel to help reduce smoke inhalation. If you can wet the cloth with water it will be even better at stopping the smoke from hurting your lungs.
If you are stuck in an office high off the ground break a window and hang a sweater or shirt out of it to let allow the firemen to find your position faster.