Fire Safety: How to Protect Your Home and Business

oswaldcompanies September 23, 2024

Smoke alarms play a crucial role 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.

Their importance is the focus of this year’s Fire Prevention Week, observed Oct. 6-12, “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You” provides tips on their usage.

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of a building, in any sleeping room and outside any sleeping area. They should be tested monthly and replaced every ten years.

A good rule of thumb is to replace the batteries in a smoke alarm every six months, such as at the start of fall and spring.

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 and keep your stovetop clear of anything that could catch fire.
Heating equipment: Space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves can be fire hazards if not used properly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely operate them 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. Make sure candles are extinguished before you leave the house or go to bed.
Holiday trees: Dry holiday 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 code and stored properly.
Prepare employees with fire training and a fire evacuation plan.

Fire door safety

Fire Door Safety Week, Sept. 23-27, 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.

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