Managing the Threat of Fire

Fire

The power to produce flames is what first separated man from animal. Although we've long since mastered the ability to create fire, we continue to struggle with fire prevention and control. As one of few risks that can be caused naturally, accidentally, or intentionally, a fire can begin in countless ways. And the future is looking even hotter – the causal link between fire and global warming indicates that as global warming increases, more fires occur, thereby releasing more carbon into the air and increasing global warming.

Whether you think about fire safety every day or once a year, the threat of fire is a distinct reality for all of us as it continues to be one of the largest causes of death and damage worldwide. Don't let its commonness prevent you from taking this threat seriously.

Key tips for preparing the workplace:

• Make sure each point in the building has at least two escape routes.
• Keep exit routes clear from obstructions and properly mark with signs.
• Keep approved, maintained and regularly tested proper type(s) of fire extinguishers for the fire hazards present, unless it is your company's policy to have workers evacuate in all fire situations.
• Train the appropriate employees, if applicable, on the hazards of fighting fire, how to properly use a fire extinguisher, and what procedures to follow in alerting others to the fire emergency.
• Make sure all employees know emergency evacuation routes and understand the alarm system, and make sure new employees receive this training as part of orientation.
• Implement a fire prevention plan along with the fire evacuation plan.
• Have regular fire drills to test the alarm system, evacuation routes, and employee understanding of evacuation.

When a fire happens:

• Get out of the building! Many people do not realize how quickly fires grow – even small fires can quickly become life-threatening.
• Check the escape route for safety before opening any doors. Feel the doorknob and frame lightly with the back of your hand. If it's hot, or if there is smoke coming from under the door, do not open it. If you open it and feel a burst of heat, quickly close the door and use an alternate route.
• If the alarm has not been pulled, pull the alarm and notify other building occupants on your way out.
• If there is smoke, exit crawling low to the ground. The majority of deaths in a fire are caused by smoke inhalation.
• Close doors behind you on your way out. This prevents the fire from spreading and contributes to firefighter safety.
• If you are stuck in a room, hang a white sheet or cloth out the window to alert firefighters.

Only attempt to extinguish a fire yourself if:

• The fire alarm has been activated and emergences services called.
• The fire is small, contained and not spreading
• The exit is clear and you can fight the fire with the exit at your back
• You are not at risk of inhaling smoke
• You know that your extinguisher works, that it is the right extinguisher for the fire at hand, and you know how to use it

Links:

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the authority on fire, electrical, and building safety.

National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) provides national fire news and information.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) details how to protect yourself before, during, and after a fire.

U.S. Fire Administration provides statistics on fire fatalities, emergency preparedness, wildfire safety, and recent federal and industry guidelines.

The World Fire Statistics Centre (WFSC)collects fire statistics from insurance companies around the world with the goal of persuading countries to adopt strategies to reduce fire waste and cost.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains the occurrences, consequences, risk factors, and costs resulting from fires.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has an extensive, searchable database including regulations, standard interpretations, and safety and health topics relating to fire.

OSHA's Fire Safety page provides information relevant to fire safety in the workplace, along with hot topics and eTools.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) gives essential tips for preventing a fire in the workplace.

The United Nation's GRID provides real-time status reports and early warnings for wildfires around the world.

The International Strategy for Disaster Reducation (ISDR) has a Global Fire Map showing fires and hotspots around the world for the last ten days.

FEMA's Wildfire page provides information on protecting yourself from wildfire.

The National Park Service's Fire and Aviation Management page includes fire information from the NPS.

The International Association of Wildland Fire is a nonprofit organization dedicated to understanding wildfires and their management.

The Global Fire Monitoring Center is a United Nations sponsored center for real-time monitoring and information exchange about wildfires.

Firewise provides wildfire prevention and preparation resources.