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Fire Preparedness & Prevention
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Fire Preparedness & Prevention
9/22/2022
Information

Tools You Can Use to Keep Safe From Fires

Tools You Can Use to Keep Safe From Fires

Fire is one of the most devastating risks organizations face. In just minutes, flames can threaten lives, damage property and disrupt operations. While no one expects a fire to break out, being prepared with the right equipment and safety systems can make all the difference in protecting people and property.

Our Tools to Keep Safe from Fire guide highlights three of the most important lines of defense: smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems. Together, these tools don’t just limit damage—they can help save lives.

Early Warning Systems

The first line of defense against fire is detection. Smoke alarms should be installed in every room, hallway and level of your facility, except the kitchen, where false alarms are common. Key reminders from the guide include:

  • Place smoke alarms at least 10 feet from cooking appliances.
  • Use strobe-light alarms for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Test alarms monthly, replace batteries annually and install new units every 10 years.
  • Consider interconnected systems so when one alarm sounds, they all sound.

By maintaining reliable early warning systems, your organization ensures that everyone inside has the best chance to evacuate safely.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers provide critical protection for small, containable fires—but only if the right type is available and staff know how to use them. The guide recommends:

  • At least one extinguisher for every 2,500 square feet, with a minimum of one on each level.
  • Class ABC extinguishers for general use and Class K extinguishers for kitchens.
  • Mount kitchen extinguishers near an exit and within 30 feet of cooking appliances.
  • Train staff on how to properly hold and operate extinguishers.
  • Service and recharge extinguishers annually.

Placing extinguishers strategically—and keeping instructions visible—ensures that in a moment of crisis, they’re ready to use.

Sprinkler Systems

Sprinklers can contain or extinguish a fire before it spreads, offering one of the most effective ways to protect facilities. To ensure they’re reliable, the guide advises:

  • Annual servicing and testing by a licensed contractor, with compliance tags displayed.
  • A minimum of 18 inches clearance below sprinkler heads.
  • Five-year internal assessments to check for debris or corrosion.
  • Regular checks of intake caps to make sure they’re in place and secure.

By investing in a sprinkler system and keeping it in top condition, organizations gain valuable time to help protect people and property in a fire emergency.

Why Download the Full Guide?

This preview highlights only a portion of the recommendations. The complete Tools to Keep Safe from Fire guide provides detailed guidance on installing, maintaining and using life-saving fire protection systems. It also connects organizations with expert consultants who can answer questions and help tailor solutions to their unique needs.

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Fire Preparedness & Prevention

Tools You Can Use to Keep Safe From Fires

Early warning systems, fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems can do more than just minimize damage — they can save lives. Learn more here.

Fire is one of the most devastating risks organizations face. In just minutes, flames can threaten lives, damage property and disrupt operations. While no one expects a fire to break out, being prepared with the right equipment and safety systems can make all the difference in protecting people and property.

Our Tools to Keep Safe from Fire guide highlights three of the most important lines of defense: smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems. Together, these tools don’t just limit damage—they can help save lives.

Early Warning Systems

The first line of defense against fire is detection. Smoke alarms should be installed in every room, hallway and level of your facility, except the kitchen, where false alarms are common. Key reminders from the guide include:

  • Place smoke alarms at least 10 feet from cooking appliances.
  • Use strobe-light alarms for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Test alarms monthly, replace batteries annually and install new units every 10 years.
  • Consider interconnected systems so when one alarm sounds, they all sound.

By maintaining reliable early warning systems, your organization ensures that everyone inside has the best chance to evacuate safely.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers provide critical protection for small, containable fires—but only if the right type is available and staff know how to use them. The guide recommends:

  • At least one extinguisher for every 2,500 square feet, with a minimum of one on each level.
  • Class ABC extinguishers for general use and Class K extinguishers for kitchens.
  • Mount kitchen extinguishers near an exit and within 30 feet of cooking appliances.
  • Train staff on how to properly hold and operate extinguishers.
  • Service and recharge extinguishers annually.

Placing extinguishers strategically—and keeping instructions visible—ensures that in a moment of crisis, they’re ready to use.

Sprinkler Systems

Sprinklers can contain or extinguish a fire before it spreads, offering one of the most effective ways to protect facilities. To ensure they’re reliable, the guide advises:

  • Annual servicing and testing by a licensed contractor, with compliance tags displayed.
  • A minimum of 18 inches clearance below sprinkler heads.
  • Five-year internal assessments to check for debris or corrosion.
  • Regular checks of intake caps to make sure they’re in place and secure.

By investing in a sprinkler system and keeping it in top condition, organizations gain valuable time to help protect people and property in a fire emergency.

Why Download the Full Guide?

This preview highlights only a portion of the recommendations. The complete Tools to Keep Safe from Fire guide provides detailed guidance on installing, maintaining and using life-saving fire protection systems. It also connects organizations with expert consultants who can answer questions and help tailor solutions to their unique needs.

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Tools You Can Use to Keep Safe From Fires

Early warning systems, fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems can do more than just minimize damage — they can save lives. Learn more here.

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Fire Preparedness & Prevention

Tools You Can Use to Keep Safe From Fires

Early warning systems, fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems can do more than just minimize damage — they can save lives. Learn more here.

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Tools You Can Use to Keep Safe From Fires

Fire is one of the most devastating risks organizations face. In just minutes, flames can threaten lives, damage property and disrupt operations. While no one expects a fire to break out, being prepared with the right equipment and safety systems can make all the difference in protecting people and property.

Our Tools to Keep Safe from Fire guide highlights three of the most important lines of defense: smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems. Together, these tools don’t just limit damage—they can help save lives.

Early Warning Systems

The first line of defense against fire is detection. Smoke alarms should be installed in every room, hallway and level of your facility, except the kitchen, where false alarms are common. Key reminders from the guide include:

  • Place smoke alarms at least 10 feet from cooking appliances.
  • Use strobe-light alarms for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Test alarms monthly, replace batteries annually and install new units every 10 years.
  • Consider interconnected systems so when one alarm sounds, they all sound.

By maintaining reliable early warning systems, your organization ensures that everyone inside has the best chance to evacuate safely.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers provide critical protection for small, containable fires—but only if the right type is available and staff know how to use them. The guide recommends:

  • At least one extinguisher for every 2,500 square feet, with a minimum of one on each level.
  • Class ABC extinguishers for general use and Class K extinguishers for kitchens.
  • Mount kitchen extinguishers near an exit and within 30 feet of cooking appliances.
  • Train staff on how to properly hold and operate extinguishers.
  • Service and recharge extinguishers annually.

Placing extinguishers strategically—and keeping instructions visible—ensures that in a moment of crisis, they’re ready to use.

Sprinkler Systems

Sprinklers can contain or extinguish a fire before it spreads, offering one of the most effective ways to protect facilities. To ensure they’re reliable, the guide advises:

  • Annual servicing and testing by a licensed contractor, with compliance tags displayed.
  • A minimum of 18 inches clearance below sprinkler heads.
  • Five-year internal assessments to check for debris or corrosion.
  • Regular checks of intake caps to make sure they’re in place and secure.

By investing in a sprinkler system and keeping it in top condition, organizations gain valuable time to help protect people and property in a fire emergency.

Why Download the Full Guide?

This preview highlights only a portion of the recommendations. The complete Tools to Keep Safe from Fire guide provides detailed guidance on installing, maintaining and using life-saving fire protection systems. It also connects organizations with expert consultants who can answer questions and help tailor solutions to their unique needs.

download now
open in a new tab

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