Building Fire Safety

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

In the event of a fire, it is critical to prepare a fire safety plan including preventative measures and evacuation protocols for properties.  This includes residential buildings such as apartment complexes with multiple levels.  In an emergency, the risk of being harmed drastically increases, as does the extent of structural damage.  The National Fire Protection Association lists several actions you can take in order to keep all residents safe from harm.

• Install a sprinkler system for the entire building.
• Ensure that all safety protocols are being utilized including the installation of fire alarms and the communication of procedures to follow in the event of a fire, including evacuation plans.
• Place clear Exit signs throughout the building.  All residents should be aware of multiple exits and stairwells in the event that one exit is inaccessible.

Be sure that all residents are aware of the proper protocols to follow during a fire:

• In the event of a fire, a tenant may pull the fire alarm as they exit the building to alert all residents as well as the fire department.
• Your building may make an announcement throughout the building on how to handle the emergency.  Be sure that tenants know to follow the protocols set forth.  Tenants should only use the stairs.
• When exiting a room, feel the door before opening it.  If the door feels hot, do not open the door and use another exit.  If it feels cool, leave using the closest exit.
• If someone can’t exit the building, they should shove wet towels around the door and vents to minimize the amount of smoke that has entered the property.  After the fire department is called, they should alert them to where they are by making a clear signal outside of the window.

Should you suffer a fire at your large residential or commercial complex, SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford can help to restore the extent of the fire damage.  Our fire restoration team provides fire damage services for small and large scale disasters to include services such as demolition, smoke and soot removal, odor deodorization and reconstruction in order to help restore your property.