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Back to school season is upon us for many families and students, and with it many different preparations. One area of preparation that shouldn’t be overlooked by school administrators is fire and life safety.
There are special considerations when it comes to schools and fire safety, because it’s not a typical workplace environment. The population in schools is primarily children – and children may need extra help in an emergency.
Additionally, unlike in other industries, nearly two out of every school building fire is set intentionally, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Combine these two factors with the seasonality of school, the large numbers of people in typically a single building, and all that’s involved in any fire and life safety measures, and there’s quite a bit to consider.
In this blog, we’re exploring some of the top areas to consider regarding fire and life safety in schools as we embark on another school year.
Evaluate your Security Systems
From 2014-2018, there were an average 3,230 school structure fires each year, according to the NFPA. Fires that were set intentionally were the leading cause.
With these statistics in mind, security measures are essential when it comes to preventing intentionally set fires. Most fires started in school bathrooms or locker rooms – places without cameras.
Outside of the school, make sure you have exterior lighting with timers and motion-sensitive settings, along with alarms on doors windows, and other possible entry points to the school. Large dumpsters should also be kept away from the school building, to help reduce the chance for fires in those to spread.
Make sure you've done all required Maintenance and Inspections
When it comes to fire and life safety, one of the best things you can do is stay up to date on your maintenance and inspections. This includes checking on alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, exit lighting, emergency signage and other safety equipment.
The schedule of maintenance will vary based on your particular fire and life safety system, or even the piece of equipment. Some elements, such as fire extinguishers, require checking monthly, while others may require only an annual inspection. Summer can be a convenient time to knock out the bigger maintenance items since students are out for the season. However, it’s also very possible to do maintenance during the school year with minimal interruption to students.
When selecting a fire and life safety company, make sure they can handle the schedules for you, so that you’re always kept in compliance and as protected as possible.
Stay Up on your Landscaping and Check your Exits
Another important area to consider when it comes to school fire safety is the landscaping and the emergency exits. Not only can trees and bushes overgrow and become a fire hazard themselves, but they can also block off exits that you’ll need in an emergency.
Throughout the school season, make sure that any bushes, trees, landscaping waste or other potentially flammable materials are planted well away from school buildings, or trimmed back appropriately so as not to be a fire risk.
This is a great time to also check that all windows and doors are accessible and functional, so that you know they’ll all work during an emergency. Check for debris blocking any of the exits, and make sure all windows and doors open correctly.
Review and Practice all Emergency Plans
Of course, all the equipment in the world won’t be effective without proper planning and practicing of emergency evacuations. In a place like a school, where new students are joining each year, practicing drills is especially essential so that everyone knows what to do and where to go if a fire breaks out.
In Indiana, fire drills are required monthly, along with a severe weather drill each semester and a man-made occurrence drill once a semester. Some will be planned, and some are unplanned, so that people are prepared even when it’s unexpected.
Drills are important so that teachers, students and staff members all know exactly what to do in an emergency. Everyone in a school building should know where to go no matter where they are in the building, and drills should be frequent enough that it’s not something that requires much thought, because everyone knows what to do.
School fire safety can be overwhelming, but it’s of critical importance. When you work with a company like CertaSite, we do all the work for you so that you can go back to focusing on your staff and students. Reach out to us for a consultation today at CertaSitePro.com
Ready to get started? Reach out to us for a consultation at CertaSitePro.com.
