Fire Prevention & Safety in Schools

According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 4,980 structure fires in educational buildings each year from 2011 – 2015.  Fire safety is important and should be taken seriously in an academic environment, especially if little kids and teenagers are around.  That’s why it’s so important t stress fire safety education in our schools.

Start with School Fire Safety Education

  • Conduct expected and unexpected monthly school fire drills in which everyone participates.   When you practice drills often, it can help simulate for real-life emergencies.  Drills help teach everyone the plan and what they should do in case of a fire. Pair students with specific needs to an adult or classmate for extra assistance.
  • Safety recommendations include a certain number of proper sprinklers, fire alarm pulls, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers within the building.  Ensuring all fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire exits are in working condition. Also, know locations of the fire protection system, fire alarm pull stations and sprinkler.
  • Inspect all fire exits, doors, windows and stairways at every time of the day. This ensures nothing is blocking students from exiting and all is working properly.
  • Have a predetermined location “Safe Zone” where students know to meet once they exit the building.  Safe Zone should be a good distance away from the building and should be accessible.   Once at the Safe Zone all teachers should have a list of all the students in their class. Tell all students they are NOT to enter back into the building till they are given the all-clear.
  • Post clear maps in every classroom that shows two or more escape routes in the event of a fire.
  • Teach students the basic of “stop, drip and roll”, getting low to the floor, and touching the door handle before opening doors.
  • Fire Safe Kids suggests teaching students the “Three P’s” (prevention, plan and practice). The goal is to teach students to stop a fire before its starts and ways to plan an escape in the event of a fire emergency, and then practice those skills.

School Fire Prevention

  • Implement fire safety measures like exterior lighting with timers, motion-or daylight-detection sensors.
  • Shrubbery and trees trimmed to keep areas around the building unobstructed.
  • Trash receptacles stored away from buildings to reduce danger of fire. Locked metal lids for extra protection.
  • Install intrusion alarms on doors, windows, ventilator openings and roof hatched.

 Additional Resources

Orange County Public Schools Safety and Emergency Management