Effective Fire And Life Safety Measures In Schools

Back-to-school season is here for many families and students, and with it many different preparations. One area of preparation that shouldn’t be overlooked by school administrators is fire and life safety.

There are special considerations when it comes to schools and fire safety because it’s not a typical workplace environment. The population in schools is primarily children – and children may need extra help in an emergency.

life safety measures

Nearly two out of every school building fire is set intentionally, according to the NFPA

Additionally, unlike in other industries, nearly two out of every school building fire is set intentionally, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Combine these two factors with the seasonality of school, the large numbers of people in typically a single building, and all that’s involved in any fire and life safety measures, and there’s quite a bit to consider.

In this blog, CertaSite is exploring some of the top areas to consider regarding fire and life safety in schools, as people embark on another school year.

Evaluate the Security Systems

From 2014 to 2018, there were an average of 3230 school structure fires each year, according to the NFPA. Fires that were set intentionally were the pioneering cause. With these statistics in mind, security measures are essential when it comes to preventing intentionally set fires. Most fires started in school bathrooms or locker rooms – places without cameras.

Outside of the school, make sure they have exterior lighting with timers and motion-sensitive settings, along with alarms on doors windows, and other possible entry points to the school. Large dumpsters should also be kept away from the school building, to help reduce the chance for fires in those to spread.

Required Maintenance and Inspections

The schedule of care will vary based on the particular fire and life safety system, or even the piece of equipment

When it comes to fire and life safety, one of the best things they can do is stay up to date on the maintenance and inspections. This includes checking on alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, exit lighting, emergency signage, and other safety equipment.

The schedule of maintenance will vary based on the particular fire and life safety system, or even the piece of equipment. Some elements, such as fire extinguishers, require checking monthly, while others may require only an annual inspection.

Summer can be a convenient time to knock out the bigger maintenance items since students are out for the season. However, it’s also very possible to do maintenance during the school year with minimal interruption to students. When selecting a fire and life safety company, make sure they can handle the schedules, so that they’re always kept in compliance and as protected as possible.

Stay up on the Landscaping and Check the Exits

Another important area to consider when it comes to school fire safety is the landscaping and the emergency exits. Not only can trees and bushes overgrow and become a fire hazard themselves, but they can also block off exits that they’ll need in an emergency.

Throughout the school season, make sure that any bushes, trees, landscaping waste, or other potentially flammable materials are planted well away from school buildings, or trimmed back appropriately so as not to be a fire risk. 

This is a great time to also check that all windows and doors are accessible and functional, so that they know they’ll all work during an emergency. Check for debris blocking any of the exits, and make sure all windows and doors open correctly.

Review and Practice all Emergency Plans

Practicing drills is especially vital so that everyone knows what to do and where to go if a fire breaks out

Of course, all the equipment in the world won’t be effective without proper planning and practicing of emergency evacuations. In a place like a school, where new students are joining each year, practicing drills is especially essential so that everyone knows what to do and where to go if a fire breaks out.

In Indiana, fire drills are required monthly, along with a severe weather drill each semester and a man-made occurrence drill once a semester. Some will be planned, and some will be unplanned, so that people are prepared even when it’s unexpected.

School fire safety

Drills are important so that teachers, students, and staff members all know exactly what to do in an emergency. Everyone in a school building should know where to go no matter where they are in the building, and drills should be frequent enough that it’s not something that requires much thought because everyone knows what to do.

School fire safety can be overwhelming, but it’s of critical importance. When they work with a company like CertaSite, they do all the work for them so that they can go back to focusing on the staff and students.