Prevent Fire in the Home, Office, School and Community

Our everyday lives involve the use of fire and electricity that we tend to ease up on the possible things that might happen. Tasks like cooking with unsupervised open flames, watching the television with faulty electrical wirings, and even abandoned electrical equipment like our mobile phones being charged overnight might put us in danger and take our lives.

In this blog, let’s explore the steps we can take to help prevent fire in the home, office, school, and community.

Read more: Iloilo City Emergency Hotlines (UPDATED)

How Fires Start

Fires can be a devastating occurrence in any home or building endangering the safety of those living within and often leaving large-scale destruction in their wake. While fires can start due to a number of reasons, there are common factors that increase the likelihood of a fire breaking out. From electrical systems to combustible materials, here are some of the most common causes of fires:

Electrical fires

Poor wiring and improper use of electrical outlets can lead to overloaded circuits, sparking an electrical fire. Faulty appliances like stoves and refrigerators with shorted-out motors can also overheat and ignite flammable materials nearby. To avoid such risks, ensure that all electrical wiring is up to code standards and disconnect any appliances, not in use.

Lighters and matches

Due to their accessibility around the home, lighters and matches are one of the leading sources of residential fires. Keep these items away from children at all times and make sure they are stored safely out of reach. Additionally, inspect them for damage as lighter fluid might have leaked if used frequently or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Combustible materials

Combustible materials such as paper, fabrics, plastics, wood, cardboard boxes etc., should never be stored too close to heat sources like radiators or stoves. It’s important that these items remain clean—dust or grease buildup on these materials can cause them to catch fire spontaneously when exposed to high temperatures or sparks.

Candles and fireplaces

Candles should never be left unattended while burning. Keep them away from curtains and other flammable objects in order to prevent an excessive build-up of smoke which could potentially ignite a fire. Similarly, fireplaces should be regularly cleaned to remove soot deposits which could potentially ignite if left unchecked for too long.

Smoking materials

Cigarettes often contain hot ashes that can easily escape from extinguished butts—especially if not disposed of correctly—which may land on beds or carpets made from combustible materials like cotton or wool creating an ignition source for a potential fire hazard. Therefore it is crucial that smoking materials always be disposed of properly by extinguishing them completely before discarding them into an appropriate container outside the home where they won’t pose a risk anymore.

By being aware of these common causes of house fires, homeowners can stay vigilant against any potential dangers which may arise while taking precautionary measures accordingly—such as keeping smoke detectors installed throughout their homes—to better protect themselves against this peril in case anything happens unexpectedly

How to Prevent Fire at Home

As a homeowner, maintaining fire safety is essential to protecting your home and family. Fires can happen suddenly, quickly spreading out of control and in severe cases causing irreplaceable damage. In order to prevent fire at home, there are many practical steps you can take ranging from installing smoke alarms to storing combustible items safely away from heat sources. The Philippine Red Cross reminds the public about fire safety here!

1. Do not smoke in bed
2. Make sure that lighted candles, oil or gas lamps are away from curtains and other objects that easily catch fire. Don’t leave them unattended.
3. Do not keep any flammable and other volatile liquid in the kitchen or inside the house. Keep igniters such as lighters and matches away from children’s reach. 
4. Open flames should not be used as decorations inside the house.
5. Make sure the kitchen is inspected thoroughly before going to bed. After cooking, make sure to extinguish all live charcoal and embers.
6. Check for leakage first if you’re using kerosene or gas stoves. It is better to invest in quality LPG tanks.
7. Have your electrical installations checked regularly and have all tattered wiring, switches, damaged sockets, and other defective electrical fixtures changed or repaired immediately.
8. Do not overload extension cords. Make sure to unplug all devices before leaving.

How to Prevent Fire at the Workplace

Fire safety is important at the workplace, as a single fire incident can severely damage property and people. That’s why it’s essential for employers to take steps to prevent fires from occurring at their workplaces.

1. Have your building be inspected by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and other local authorities such as electric cooperatives and the municipal/city engineering offices.
2. Designate fire safety roles in the office. It would be better if it is a team that would oversee fire safety in the office.
3. Avoid electrical overloading. Offices rely heavily on electrical instruments but don’t be tempted to overload those electric plugs.
4. Repair faulty electrical wirings. It is better to have an expert check it.
5. Regularly conduct fire evacuation drills. It is better to be prepared than to be sorry.
6. Make sure to clear walkways and aisles to prevent spread of fire and make sure that people are safe when evacuating.
7. Use fire safety resources. Make sure that the workplace is properly equipped with fire extinguishers, water sprinklers, and other fire suppression equipment. A working fire alarm would also help.

How to Prevent Fire in Schools

Schools are one of the most important places in our life, being an integral part of modern education and shaping students’ future. Unfortunately, this precious institution is not exempt from fire-related disasters. While officials have taken steps to limit the danger of a fire and keep students safe, it remains essential for all school administrators to be proactive when it comes to preventing fires from occurring on campus.

1. Conduct Student-Led School Watching and Hazard Mapping every year to identify and address hazards and risks including fire. This will also help students be familiar with the school set up.
2. Coordinate with the Bureau of Fire Protection to have your school buildings and offices be inspected.
3. Equip schools with proper fire safety equipment. As a standard, every floor must have accessible fire extinguishers.
4. Conduct regular fire evacuation drills. Review evacuation protocols and designate fire safety roles. Include scenarios to familiarize learners and teachers on different set ups.
5. Keep exits, including doors and windows, clear from obstructions.
6. Don’t leave active laboratory experiments unattended. Make sure to keep flammable gasses and chemicals away from heat sources.
7. Computer laboratories must not overload electrical sockets or extension cords.
8. Post information, education, and communication materials on high-traffic areas to educate learners on fire safety.

How to Prevent Fire in the Community

The tragic consequences of home fires make it vital to be proactive in preventing them. Empowering a whole community with the knowledge, resources and support required to mitigate fire risks is an essential investment that could potentially save many lives.

1. Educate community members on fire prevention. Give away information, education, and communication materials for reading.
2. Request for the Municipality/Engineering Office and Bureau of Fire Protection to inspect electrical wirings, light posts, and other common facilities in your community.
3. Have your local legislative body create policies to make sure community members are following fire safety precautions.
4. Conduct regular fire drills in the community. It is better to have a scenario so that community members are ready with different set ups.
5. Create a fire evacuation and action plan in the community. Include areas for pets and children in the evacuation areas.
6. If possible, avoid using fireworks or firecrackers. Make sure to spread water all over the area after using them.
7. Install emergency hotlines on heavy traffic areas.

Conclusion

It is important to always think of safety as a community issue and never as an individual. Fire hazards can affect not only your home but also the whole community. Prevention they say is better than cure, the same goes with fire safety.

Following these fire prevention tips at home, in the workplace, at school, and in the community can help your life safe from fire.