All it takes is oxygen, heat, a fuel source and a chemical reaction and you get a fire. I heard one story today about a house that burned down when a tree hit it during a storm. There was plenty of oxygen in the air, the fuel source was both the tree and items in the house. Add sparks from damaged electrical, giving off heat and a chemical reaction, and all you have left is the frame of the house.
Check your fire extinguishers at work AND at home. At home, you should at least have one in the garage and one in the kitchen.
Does everyone know how to use a fire extinguisher? If not, find out. Ask your fire department or fire extinguisher company if they can provide training. See if your Chamber of Commerce or your local school would sponsor training. You can also contact CHESS about training for businesses.
Make sure smoke detectors and sprinkler systems are serviced and working.
Know your exit routes. Has the warehouse been rearranged? Or the furniture at home? How do you get out in an emergency?
How do you account for everyone (employees and family members)? Do you have a meeting place? Do you have emergency numbers programmed into your cell phone?
For additional information and resources for Fire Prevention Week:
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
If you have questions about this or other safety issues, please contact us at 651-481-9787 or carkey@chess-safety.com