Fire Emergency tips

Are you ready to respond to a workplace fire? Would you know how to escape and possibly fight the fire, even if the building were dark and filled with smoke? Do you know how to sound the alarm for others?

Here are some tips for preparing for a fire emergency:

• One way to ensure preparedness for a fire is to take the drills seriously. Take a tip from how children respond to a school fire drill. They move without delay, and they follow directions. The result is that during a real fire they know how to respond.
• Follow these safety practices in the office to minimize damage and injuries: Keep fire doors closed at all times to prevent the spread of fire and do not block them open with wedges. Keep fire exit routes open and free of obstructions at all times. Make sure that automatic sprinklers are never obstructed by supplies or equipment.
• Be prepared to rescue those in immediate danger first – even yourself. If you are in charge of helping a disabled co-worker to escape or await rescue, know ahead of time where to take the person and how to get there.
• Close (but do not lock) doors and windows behind you as you make your escape. The reason for closing doors is that it slows the spread of fire. It also helps keep rooms free of smoke so that firefighters can search more effectively.
• Pull the fire alarm. This means knowing ahead of time where it is located and how to use it. Fire alarms are meant to be used in a fire emergency – so don't be shy.
• Call the fire department. In a number of fires involving fatalities, it has been found that no one even called the fire department. Never assume that this has already been done. Even if the alarm has been activated, this does not mean the fire department has been alerted because few buildings are wired directly to the fire department. Make sure you know the number to call, which may be different from the number you would dial if you were at home. Know the address of your workplace, and be prepared to give directions to the fire department. Stay on the line until the emergency operator has all the necessary information.
• Finally, if you can safely do so, try to put out the fire. This means knowing where to find a fire extinguisher, and how to use it. Make sure you know which one to use on which kind of fire. Never obstruct a fire extinguisher.
• Never re-enter the area or building until the fire department has given the all-clear signal.

Let's hope you never have to deal with an office fire. But if you do, these are the steps which can carry you to safety.