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Fire Safety Concerns

By Alan Major Fire prevention should be everyones responsibility. Fires are usually preventable by using a little common sense and being aware of hazards in the buildings we serve and our homes. The following are a few things to be concerned about regarding fire safety for you and others. Access to buildings and other structures must be maintained so that responders can get to you in an emergency. Access roads or fire lanes should be at least 20 feet of unobstructed width. The fire department should be able to readily access building controls, fire alarm and suppression equipment, as well as have access to the areas where a fire might be. Exits need to be maintained to allow for a smooth flow of egress in an emergency. Exiting includes doors, hallways, corridors, aisles, exit courts or yards. Exits and exit ways need to be clear of storage and obstructions. Heat sources should be closely monitored and maintained. Any electrical or gas-fired device is a potential heat source and need to be clear of any potential fuel sources. Keep clear paths between electrical panels or heat producing appliances and combustibles. Electrical equipment needs to be in proper working order: wires should be plugged directly into an approved outlet and not bundled or wadded up. Many fires occur because circuits or outlets are overloaded. Do not use multiple extension cords to provide power to any single appliance or use multi-plug devices to power several appliances from one outlet. All heatproducing appliances should be turned off when not in use, or better yet unplugged to prevent accidental activation. Housekeeping is an important part of fire prevention. Limit the accumulation of papers, boxes or other combustibles in your home, office, area or space. Storage should not block access or exits, or interfere with fire alarms or fire suppression equipment. Boxes stacked too close to the ceiling can interfere with the proper flow of water from a sprinkler head. Access to alarm pull stations and fire extinguishers should be maintained. Excess storage can reduce the effectiveness of a fire alarm or warning strobe when an emergency arises.

Alan Major Fire/Life Safety Trainer, Universal Protection Service

About the Author Alan Major joined Universal after retiring from the Santa Monica Fire Department with a 34-year career in the fire service. He is a California State Certified Fire Officer, Fire Prevention Officer II, Fire Cause Investigator II, a California Licensed Paramedic and a Fire Science and CPR Instructor. Mr. Major is certified by the Los Angeles Fire Department to conduct Fire/Life safety training and to create and approve high-rise evacuation plans. He regularly conducts training for earthquake preparedness, workplace violence, personal safety, first aid and CPR.

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