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6 Tips for Fire Safety At a Sports Stadium
Fire Safety At a Sports Stadium Best Practices
It became evident from early days that when inviting large groups to a venue, fire safety should be an important issue.
When people gather, they are interested in the music, the game, or the main event. For most spectators, fire safety becomes their concern only after the alarm sounds. In the meantime, they are counting on someone else to make fire safety their concern
You’re the one that has taken fire safety seriously. Fire safety became a primary principle from the design stages of the stadium or arenas. Architects and contractors planned fire safety into building materials, the location of exits, and corridor sizes.
You are careful about pyrotechnics that affects safety. The flow of people into and out of the stadium, including when doors open, is part of your event operation. All of this shows that you care about the safety of the people you invited into your venue.
Are you doing enough to protect your stadium guests, employees, athletes, and performers? Here are six strategies for Fire Safety At a Sports Stadium to prevent damage and harmful loss in your stadium:
- Follow Fire Code Regulations.
Fire code regulations protect people. Most fire codes were written as the results of past events that did not end well. Today’s fire code is the “best practice” for the present time; expect occasional changes as the industry learns.
Following the fire code is your preparation for the worst-case scenario. It is your dedication to avoid potential harm and minimize injuries and destruction in the unlikely event of a fire.
Following fire code regulations can be tedious and expensive, but carefully following fire code now is very important on the day it is needed. Do not cut corners.
- An Advanced Fire Alarm System
Your stadium should have an extensive fire alarm system throughout the facility. Depending on the system, it may detect smoke and/or extreme heat. It may also be engaged manually. Any of these conditions will act to inform staff, guests, and first responders that a fire has been detected.
Generally, you can expect a claxon or horn to sound, alerting people of the danger. Make sure the fire alarm system is inspected regularly.
- Fire Safety At a Sports Stadium Advanced Notification System
A notification system is employed at the same time as the fire alarm and notifies occupants of the reason for the alarm. It will direct people to exit in an orderly fashion. It can include directional lights or a tie-in to digitals screens, leading the way to the nearest exit for each section.
The notification system will also inform first responders of the exact location of the fire, to ensure resources are directed to the needed sector.
- A Fire Safety At a Sports Stadium Sprinkler System
Your stadium will have an extensive system of water pipes with sprinkler heads positioned in a precise pattern. In the case of a fire, the system will activate, releasing water in a broad, soaking spray directly over the fire.
- The sprinkler will put out small fires before they have a chance to become a large fire.
- The sprinkler will help keep a fire from spreading.
- If the fire has become too intense for the fire to extinguish directly, it can help cool the fire until first responders arrive with appropriate equipment and resources.
Sprinklers have been around in various configurations for hundreds of years and have a great track record of saving lives and property. Make sure this system is inspected and tested regularly.
- Hood Vent Suppression System
Commercial kitchens, such as those in your stadium, are exposed to different fire hazards to the rest of the stadium. Materials that potentially catch fire in kitchens (grease and oil) must be extinguished without water, so a suppression system is installed in the hood vent over cooking areas.
Kitchens are the most common fire sources in a stadium such as yours. Make sure the suppression system is inspected and tested regularly.
- Complete System Testing
The fire alarm, notification, and sprinkler systems should engage together to protect life and property in the event of a fire. Fire code requires that you work with the local fire department to test the entire system with a simulation and inspect/test the component systems.
The fire department will make sure you have exit routes planned and marked. Be prepared and embrace this testing as the trial run it is.
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