Our City is Safe from Fire When We All Work Together

When it comes to fire safety, it takes everyone in the community to be vigilant and play a role. Business owners need to make sure that their location meets all FDNY, Building Department and Health Department regulations when it comes to flameproofing and fire prevention measures. The FDNY needs to make sure their workers are trained and have the proper equipment to fight fires.  At NYC Flameproofing, it’s our job as flameproofers to use the proper techniques and materials when we perform flameproofing treatments. But did you know the general public has a role in fire safety as well, especially when out and about the city? Here are some things the average person can do while going about his or her business that can aid in fire prevention.

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) offers some guidelines that the public can – and should – do while going about their daily business

First, the NFPA recommends assessing visually any building you are entering. What is its condition? Is it in good shape? Do the entrances and exits seem adequate to accommodate the crowds that go there? Are the paths to and from the building clear of obstructions? These are things you should be able to check off your list.

Next, they recommend that patrons have an emergency plan ready to go ahead of time. If a fire or other crisis situation emerges, by that point, it’s too late to come up with an adequate plan. The NFPA recommends that you and your party discuss where you would meet in the event of an emergency and who you would call.

Additionally, it’s suggested by the NFPA that you locate all the indoor exits.  Once you’re inside the building, examine the site for all the emergency and fire exits.  Be aware of ways to leave the building besides the main exit. If there’s a fire or emergency, chances are that the main exit will be jammed, so having an alternate way to leave the building is suggested. Also, scan the paths to these exits and make sure that nothing is blocking the way, such as chairs, boxes, furniture – even people.

Finally, the NFPA recommends that you look for potentially dangerous situations. Are there candles? Pyrotechnics? Is smoking allowed? All of these kinds of things could be the catalyst of a devastating fire. Be sure you see automatic sprinklers on the ceiling throughout the building as well.

While the business owner is responsible for seeing that this his property is protected from the threat of fire, you as a member of the community and as a patron can also help this along. If you visit a business and you’re not comfortable with the fire prevention mechanisms in place, you are free (and encouraged to) speak with the business owner. If you feel that your concerns aren’t adequately addressed, your best course of action is to leave.  However, by speaking to management, you’ve put it on his radar that he has some work to do, and hopefully that will make a difference.

When we all work together, we have the best chance of keeping our city and communities protected from the threat of a fire. We know that, by the law of averages, fires will occur. However, if we all play our part, we have the best odds of lowering the chance of them occurring. At NYC Flameproofing, we are happy to partner with local businesses to flameproof business establishments and keep them safe from fire. If you’re a business owner and need flameproofing treatments performed at your site, please call to discuss how we can help. We serve all 5 boroughs of New York City, in addition to New Jersey, Westchester, Connecticut, and Long Island. Call today : (800) 291-0904.

 

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