Can you remember back to your days in school when you were assigned a group project? Theoretically, the concept is for everyone to have a role and work on a project together. From experience, we all know that things probably didn't exactly work out that way. However, those failed projects still don't negate the reality of the importance of teamwork when trying to achieve a common goal. When it comes to fire safety in a community, similar to the group project, everyone must play his role: firefighters, business owners, residents, government officials, etc. Even the general public has a role to play when it comes to the village approach to fire safety.
As per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the average person has an important part to play in fire prevention, things a person can do while he is going about his business here in the city. They offer some suggestions for how you can proactively participate in fire safety:
1. When you visit a building, scan the exterior. Does it seem to be in good shape? What condition is it in? How many entrances and exits do you see, and does that number seem adequate for the typical crowds inside? Are there clear pathways from the building, free from obstructions? Those are all things you can be aware of.
2. Have a provisional emergency plan with your group when you attend any event or visit any location. In the case of an emergency, you'd want to have a plan in place ahead of time; in the moment, there's too much chaos to think clearly. Do you know where you would meet outside the building? Where you'll exit? Who you need to call? This should all be discussed beforehand.
3. Inside the building, identify the fire and emergency exits. You'll want to note these locations that are in addition to the primary entrance because, in a panic, that's the door most people will run to. Once you find them, make sure there's a clear path to that exit, free from boxes, furniture, obstruction - even people in aisles.
4. Finally, any person in attendance at any event can be on the lookout for a situation that could be potentially dangerous, in terms of fire. Are there lit candles? Pyrotechnics? Fireworks? Is smoking allowed indoors? Any one of these items could potentially be a fire hazard. If you notice any of these things, be sure you also see automatic fire sprinklers installed (which is a legal requirement, by the way).
It's true the safety of the patrons is the responsibility of the venue owner, but it really does take the eyes and ears of everyone for a location to be truly safe. If you notice something that seems like it could be a danger, the NFPA encourages everyone to follow the adage, 'See something, say something.' And if you do say something and the owner or manager doesn't take you seriously, it's in your best interest to leave. While nothing may immediately change to make the building safer, at least you know you did your part and spoke up.
Like the group project, we only succeed when we all work together and play our role. We know that by the law of averages, fires will happen, but if we work as a team, we have a better chance of beating the odds. At Brooklyn Flameproofing, we are committed to doing our part to keep our city safe. When flameproofing techniques are employed, should there be a fire, treated items will not support combustion nor will they contribute to the spread and severity of a fire.
If you have questions about fire safety or flameproofing needs, we would be happy to speak with you! Please give us a call today, and we can also give you a free, no-obligation quote as well: 800-401-5415.