What would you do if a fire happened at your workplace? Stay calm, plan ahead and follow these office fire safety tips to ensure that a fire in your building does not turn into a devastating tragedy.
DON’T PANIC
- Call 911 immediately – don’t assume that someone else has already called. Remain calm while talking to the emergency personnel and give as much detail about the situation as possible.
- Always use the stairs during a fire. You could become trapped in an elevator if the power goes out.
- Touch door handles and doors starting at the bottom and moving to the top for heat. If the door is too hot, do not open it – there could be smoke or flames behind it that could rush into the room. If the door is cool, slowly open it and be prepared to close it quickly if smoke or heat rushes in.
- Leave quickly, closing doors as you go to contain the fire, slowing it down as much as possible.
- If smoke or fire blocks your path, find a different exit as fast as possible. Heat and smoke rise so get as low as possible to the floor and move towards the exit.
BE PREPARED
- Have a building evacuation plan and make sure you practice the plan frequently so you can escape without having to stop and think about it.
- Post building evacuation plans throughout your workplace and learn the two closest exits from your work area.
- Never block exits or stairways with furniture, equipment, materials, or trash.
- Know the location of the nearest fire alarm and use it to warn others.
- If you have to exit in the dark due to smoke or a power failure, learn how many doors, desks, or work stations are between your work space and the nearest exit.
IF THERE IS NO WAY TO GET OUT
- Remain calm, close doors, and build a barricade out of desks, tables, and chairs to protect you from the heat and smoke.
- Use wet jackets or towels to seal up any cracks to prevent smoke entering the room.
- If possible, call 911 and tell them exactly where you are so that the firemen can find you.
- Wait at a window and signal for help by waving something visible from outside if possible.
- Open a window without breaking it for air unless smoke rushes in.
Stay calm and remain positive – the fire department is on the way and they will be able to assist you. Call Fire Control Systems to help you create a fire safety plan for your office today.
