When you send your kids to school, safety is a top priority. And if you are the one in charge of the school, you are responsible for ensuring the safety of all the students and staff. While you may not be a fire safety expert, it’s crucial for you to know the various steps to prevent fires and how to react should a fire occur in the building.
Since fire regulations continually change, and they’re based on your local area, it’s hard to keep up with the latest guidelines. That’s why it’s good to have a general checklist in place. It’s also essential to enlist the help of a fire safety professional to walk you through the process and help you each step of the way.
Fire Safety Checklist
To help you get started with a fire safety checklist, here are some considerations you should know:
- Ensure all exits and stairways are clear: In the case of an emergency, all individuals must be able to exit the building safely. Therefore, make sure the exits and stairwells are clear.
- Keep paper and artwork on walls to a minimum: Paper can catch fire quickly. With this in mind, keep the amount of paper and artwork taped to walls at a minimum level.
- Conduct regular fire drills: Conduct regular fire safety drills in accordance with local regulations.
- Have an evacuation plan in place: Have a set evacuation plan in place and know it.
- Have a special evacuation plan in place for large gatherings: Make sure you have a special evacuation plan for large group gatherings, such as assemblies and dances.
- Add safeguards to prevent intentional fires: Prevent intentional fires by keeping the building well lit and installing other safeguards.
- Have rules for storage of chemicals and flammable materials: There must be a strict plan in place for storage of chemicals and flammable items.
- Have special guidance in place for chemistry labs: Many schools have chemistry labs where flammable liquids are present. Make sure there’s special guidance for these areas.
- Keep fire safety equipment on site and accessible: Always have the right fire safety equipment in place and in good working order.
- Ensure emergency lights work: Make sure the school emergency lights work.
- Keep current on your fire safety inspections: Ensure your school is up-to-date on all fire safety inspections.
These are some ways your school can promote fire safety in the building. Learn how to properly protect your school and the people in it with help from a fire safety professional.
