The ultimate step-by-step recipe for preventing fire emergencies before they spark

Fire safety is a critical aspect of workplace and home safety. Prevent fires from affecting your home or job site with these tips from the Dennis Group Safety Team.

The Secret Ingredient

Risk assessments are essential to fire prevention practices. Many daily activities on a job site, like hot work permit process, proper flammable storage, electrical inspections and good housekeeping practices, are crucial to preventing fires. Conducting regular fire risk assessments through audits and permits is the first step in implementing fire safety measures. Use them to identify potential fire hazards, evaluate risk, and determine the necessary precautions to mitigate those risks. An effective risk assessment means understanding specific fire hazards associated with task and work environments.

Prep Time

Providing regular, comprehensive fire safety training to all employees and contractors gets everyone off on the right foot. The training should cover fire prevention basics like risk assessment, site or office emergency procedures, the proper use of fire extinguishers, and fire drills to help prepare everyone in the event of real emergencies. Use this time to test emergency notification systems for proper operation and ensure evacuation routes are clear of any bottlenecks or obstructions. Make sure everyone on site knows the locations of fire alarms and extinguishers and how to activate or utilize them in an emergency.

Fire safety isn’t limited to the job site. While traveling, look for posted instructions and signage communicating the airport or hotel’s fire safety procedures, including primary and secondary exit routes. When visiting a new office or job location, note the location of fire extinguishers, pull alarms, and emergency exits. 

Homemade Fire Safety

Cooking, heating, and electrical sources account for nearly 70% of all home fires. No matter the season, a few simple precautions can help keep your home safe:

Stay focused in the kitchen

• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• If you need to step away, use a timer or ask someone to watch the stove.

Keep it clean and clear:

• Regularly clean your stovetop, oven, and range hood to prevent grease buildup.
• Clean as you go, keep flammable items away from heat sources, and always have a fire extinguisher nearby.

Fireplaces and space heaters have the unfortunate distinction of being the second leading cause of home fires. Have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional before use. Always make sure the dampener is open and only burn seasoned wood in a wood-burning fireplace. You might be surprised by the number of fire department calls resulting from people burning wood in gas or non-dual fuel rated fireplaces.

Take a few minutes to ensure your home and workplace are prepared by checking fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and evacuation plans. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping everyone safe—on the job and at home.