October is Fire Protection Month

October is Fire Protection Month

Fire Protection Month: A Great Time to Focus on Prevention and Safety

October is Fire Protection Month, a month to celebrate how far we have come in protecting life and property from the ravages of fire. It is also a month of public education to ensure our country continues to take strides to prevent commercial and residential fires from happening. On average:

• Fire departments in the US respond to more than 4,000 fires per day
• Ten people die in fires in the US each day
• Fires cause about $50 M per day in the US

While we have come a long way, there is room for improvement.

Focus on Kitchen Fires

Forty-seven percent of commercial and residential fires start in the kitchen, the most common place to find flammable oils and paper in close proximity to flames and high heat. Remember, do not use water to extinguish kitchen fires since the flaming grease, fat, and oil will ride atop the water and spread around the kitchen. Instead, find ways to smother a grease fire:

• Keep a Class F extinguisher nearby. These extinguishers use a wet, soapy chemical to cover the fuel and extinguish a grease fire.
• Use a lid to cover a flaming pan or skillet.

In commercial kitchens the danger intensifies—higher heat, more cooking surfaces, and more fuel. For these reasons, fire protection should be increased by several magnitudes.

• Class F extinguishers are not only recommended, but required safety equipment.
• Fire suppression equipment is standard over cooking equipment.
• Vent hoods that shepherd steam and vaporous oils outside are cleaned regularly to prevent fires
• Kitchens are regularly inspected for fire safety.

The most effective fire safety measure in a commercial kitchen is human diligence.

Making Preparedness Plans at Home

Homes have several fire protection features, but families can enhance their homes by making plans “just in case.”

• Smoke detectors are required by fire codes across the country and as an added measure, they are installed in every bedroom.
• Fire extinguishers are not required by building code in homes, but they are highly recommended (especially in the kitchen).
• Take the time to plan evacuation routes for different scenarios—it could save lives.

Making Preparedness Plans in Commercial Settings

Commercial venues are varied and complex. Fire protection plans depend on the size of the property, the building/facility use, and the number of occupants. Fire protection includes:

• Fire extinguishers with the correct classification that are stationed strategically around the facility. These extinguishers are inspected annually.
• Fire sprinklers are installed at regular intervals around the facilities to suppress fire at its source. Sprinklers are more than 90% effective when applied early at the source of the fire. These sprinklers are maintained and inspected regularly to ensure they are available when needed.
• Fire code also requires the suppression equipment and vent hoods mentioned above in kitchen spaces. This equipment is also cleaned and tested regularly.
• Facilities are equipped with communication devices to communicate with people within the facility. Alarms warn people of the danger and lights guide occupants to safety. Often facility fire protection equipment will include telecommunication with local emergency response teams.
• The most important fire protection is human preparation; evacuation plans, staff training, and fire drills which are essential to protecting the lives of teammates and guests.

Fire Protection Month, is a great time for Fire Safe to Inspect Your Protection System

Call Fire Safe Protection Services today at 713-722-7800 or visit our online form, and we will be in contact as soon as possible about your Fire Protection System inspection questions.