Fire Safety: Fire Safety: Prevention, Exit Drills and Hazards

Fire Prevention The “Fire Triangle” identifies the three components of any fire: –Fuel paper, wood, flammable gas, energized electrical equipment, etc... –Energy (heat), sufficient to support combustion. Often referred to as the ignition source. –Oxidizer (air) IF ANY ONE OF THESE IS MISSING, A FIRE CANNOT CONTINUE. THEREFORE…

Prevention Prevention is based on eliminating or minimizing one of the components of the “Fire Triangle”.Prevention is based on eliminating or minimizing one of the components of the “Fire Triangle”.

Prevention Other fire prevention methods include: –Heat and/or smoke detectors. –Automatic fire sprinkler systems. –Building codes and materials. –Flame retardant furnishings and materials.

Exit Drills Heritage requires bi- annual fire drills conducted in all occupied locations of the facility. The fire drills should include staff from all shifts on a rotating basis (i.e. one per shift per drill period).

Evacuation Primary and secondary evacuation routes should be established, and all employees should be drilled to use either route. Exits should be clearly marked and all signs lit and unobstructed.

Remember to RACE during a fire RR escue – rescue clients in immediate danger. AA lert – yell out “Code Red”/”Fire” (or whatever your facility implementing procedure dictates), pull fire alarm, dial emergency phone number. CC ontain – Close all doors and windows. EE xtinguish/Evacuate – Extinguish small fires, evacuate clients, if appropriate.

Fire Extinguishers Remember this easy acronym when using an extinguisher - P.A.S.S. P ull the pin. A im the nozzle. S queeze the handle. S weep side to side at the base of the fire. NOTE: If, when using a fire extinguisher, the fire is physically larger than you can safely handle, evacuate the area and notify others by activating the emergency pull station and call 911.

Remember the Following All Employees shall be instructed in emergency evacuation plans. Drills will be conducted. Smoking is prohibited in most buildings and vehicles. Staff may smoke only outside the buildings in designated areas.

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