Every year, thousands of people are injured in fires that could have been easily prevented. Many of these fires occur in buildings where the occupants had no idea a fire could start. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 ways to identify fire hazards in your building and take steps to prevent them from causing damage or injury.
Here are some ways you can identify potential fire hazards in your building:
If you feel something is wrong, it probably is. If you think something is dangerous, it probably is. And if you feel something is unsafe, it probably is. And if you think something isn’t right in a building or area of the building, trust that feeling and look into it further.
Just because a floor looks fine does not mean that there aren’t any issues beneath the surface, and this can be especially true for older buildings with wooden floors that have been in use for many years. A fire hazard may not be apparent at first glance; sometimes, it takes someone who knows what they’re looking for to spot them!
If your building does not have smoke detectors, it clearly indicates that it does not meet fire safety standards. Smoke detectors must be present in every room and hallway of a building. They are simple to install and can save lives, so it’s important to ensure they are present every time you change or add to your property.
The laws regarding smoke detectors vary from state to state, but generally speaking, there are two types: ionization (which uses ions) and photoelectric (which uses light). Both are effective if installed correctly. However, photoelectric detectors may be more sensitive than ionization models in rooms with low levels of humidity or high temperatures.
If you’re not an electrician, it can be hard to know what is and isn’t normal regarding electrical wiring. A qualified professional should always check for loose or exposed wires, frayed wires, damaged or broken wires, and exposed electrical sockets, switches, and outlets. They’ll also look for exposed electrical cords that aren’t properly protected by receptacles (outlets).
If these hazards are found during an inspection and mainly if they’re located in non-public areas such as crawl spaces or basements. You’ll want to address them immediately by a licensed electrician before someone gets hurt.
The heating equipment in your building is one of the most critical components that must undergo regular inspections. Some examples of improper installation include installing gas-fired heating appliances on combustible floors or installing water heaters on combustible floors or ceilings.
Ensure that the unit undergoes regular inspection from a technician who knows how to operate and maintain it correctly and inspect it for potential problems.
There are more kitchen fires in the United States than any other type of residential fire and are responsible for more deaths than any other type of residential fire. Kitchen fires also cause more property damage than any other residential fire.
The kitchen is a natural gathering place, so leaving unattended cooking unattended or allowing grease to accumulate on your stovetop is easy. Evaluate your kitchen for potential hazards that could lead to a house fire:
Fire safety is key to keeping your building and its occupants safe. By identifying and correcting fire hazards in your building, you are protecting yourself from potentially costly damage, loss of life, and liability claims. It is our hope that these tips will help you identify any potential fire hazards in your building so that you can keep everyone safe!
Does your building require fire extinguisher services? Contact Fire-Alert today to see how we can help!