October 3rd through the 9th is National Fire Prevention Week. As we know, fires can happen at home and at the workplace, but many can be prevented. National Fire Prevention Week helps make us more aware of fire prevention tips that we can follow year-round.
The leading cause of fires in homes is due to unattended cooking, followed by heating equipment.
The leading cause of fires in the workplace is due to cooking equipment, followed by electrical fires.
![Fire Departments in the US respond to house fires every 86 seconds.](https://www.sq1med.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Beer-Bottles-Birthday-Email-Header.png)
Good fire safety practices at home and at the workplace can save lives and save millions of dollars in property damage (especially in commercial buildings). Prevention practices and escape planning recommendations are similar for home and workplace settings.
Tips to Remember:
![Silhouette of electrical cord with orange flames in the background](https://www.sq1med.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/1-150x150.png)
Check for damaged & overloaded outlets, cords & cables
![Line drawing of electrical equipment with orange flames in the background](https://www.sq1med.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2-150x150.png)
Keep items that can burn away from electrical equipment
![Line drawing of space heater with orange flames in the background](https://www.sq1med.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/3-1024x1024.png)
Never leave portable heaters unattended
![Line drawing of ventilation fan with orange flames in the background](https://www.sq1med.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/4-1024x1024.png)
Keep workspace & equipment clean, dry & well-ventilated
![Line drawing of man near fire escape route with orange flames in the background](https://www.sq1med.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/5-1024x1024.png)
Plan and practice multiple escape routes
![Line drawing of a window with orange flames in the background](https://www.sq1med.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Orange-Yellow-Fire-Pig-Roast-Party-Invitation-150x150.png)
Make sure windows can be opened and screens can be removed
![Line drawing of an exit sign with orange flames in the background](https://www.sq1med.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/7-150x150.png)
Remove any obstacles from exits
How to Prepare:
Make sure your smoke detectors & fire sprinklers are properly installed and maintained
Post fire escape routes on every level of your building
Communicate with your employees (or your family) about fire escape routes and exit locations
Make sure your employees (or family members) know where fire extinguishers and other equipment is located
Check the condition of fire ladders and escapes - It's a good idea to have ladders in multiple-level homes
Practice regular fire drills at work and at home
If There Is a Fire:
![Silhouette of a phone with the words "Call 911" with orange flames in the background](https://www.sq1med.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/8-1024x1024.png)
Call 9-1-1
![Silhouette of a megaphone with orange flames in the background](https://www.sq1med.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/9-1024x1024.png)
Notify employees (or family)
![Lien drawing of a blocked elevator with orange flames in the background](https://www.sq1med.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/10-1024x1024.png)
Do not use elevators
![Arrow pointing right](https://www.sq1med.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Orange-Yellow-Fire-Pig-Roast-Party-Invitation-1-150x150.png)
If you can't evacuate...
![Line drawing of a door with orange flames in the background](https://www.sq1med.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/11-300x300.png)
Seal door gaps with a jacket
![Line drawing of a window with curtains with orange flames in the background](https://www.sq1med.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/12-300x300.png)
Wait by a window for help to arrive
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Sources: https://www.channelviewfire.com/fire-prevention/ | https://www.usfa.fema.gov/stories/workplace_safety/