Emergency Fire Plan

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) identifies the top five causes of fire as cooking, heating, electrical, smoking, and candles.

For today’s article let’s look at electrical fire risk along with the elements that are important for having an effective emergency fire plan:

Electrical Fire Risk

• Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
• Do not overload receptacles or outlets.
• Do not use grounded three-pronged plugs that have the ground prong removed or broken off.
• Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture. Check the sticker on the lamp to determine the maximum wattage light bulb to use.
• Check electrical cords often. Replace any that are cracked, damaged or loose.
• Do not use power cords that are frayed, damaged, have exposed wires, or cords that have been spliced.

For additional tips and resources for electrical fire safety, check out NFPA’s website

Have an effective Emergency Fire Plan in place to include these elements:

• Immediately notify the Fire & Police Departments by calling 911.
• Each of your buildings should have an emergency fire and evacuation plan with adequate warning measures for alerting anyone in the area of a fire.
• Evacuation maps designating evacuation routes should be posted in a noticeable area and revised as renovation changes floor plans.
• Provide adequate fire extinguishing equipment that is annually serviced by a licensed technician.
• Provide all employees with fire safety training, including plan review and fire extinguisher use.

Let’s work together to help eliminate the risk of fires through effective education.  To learn more, access our free online video training platforms at the PRM Website Home Page: www.prm-fl.com; Member Services.

By Renee Hudson, Loss Prevention Consultant, PRM