Fire safety is a serious issue. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were 365,500 home structure fires in 2015, causing 2,560 deaths, 11,075 injuries, and $7 billion in damages. In order to prevent this type of loss to health and property from happening again, fire safety standards were made even more important. National, state, and municipal fire standards were created in order to prevent or lower the incidence of destruction and loss of life, health, property, and natural resources.
Building Codes
It’s important that you are aware of building codes that may affect the overall cost of your property before you purchase or build a property. In order to be within code, you can hire a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep who knows, understands, and is experienced with national fire safety standards. When you hire locally, you get the benefit of a professional experienced with local codes as well.
Home Fire Safety Checklist
In order to stay within fire safety standards, and to have the safest home possible, take the home fire safety survey annually. Local authorities may conduct these types of surveys to make sure new properties are within regulations, but you can use it as a guide for yourself as well.
At Work
Municipal codes may require standards in the workplace in order to protect patrons as well as property:
- Fire extinguishers
- Sprinkler systems
- Exit signs
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Proper storage and handling of flammable materials
- Trained fire safety personnel
There are even certain standards for fire safety where vehicles are involved. Work vehicles require an onboard fire extinguisher. Work vehicles also have to identify flammable or hazardous materials that are onboard.
At School
Your dorm room will have its own set of standards as set forth by your institution that adheres to state and local regulations. Hot plates, open flames, and some electrical appliances may not be allowed in a dorm room. Treat every fire drill like it is an emergency, and check smoke alarms regularly.
On the Move
Hotels and motels have safety standards which include interconnected fire alarms which should alert you of a fire. Treat drills as emergencies. The escape plan is posted in each room, and should be consulted when you check-in. Do not use cooking equipment in your room unless it is installed in the room by the hotel staff, and never leave appliances unattended. RVs, boats, and campers require onboard fire extinguishers, so keep an eye out for them!
Surviving a structure fire is as easy as prevention and escape. If a fire occurs despite multiple preventative measures (such as fire safety standards), escape is the only thing that will save your life. Discuss fire escape plans with your family. Plan two ways out and practice it.
If you’re not sure your chimney system is up to fire safety standards, if you can’t recall the last time it was cleaned or inspected, or if you aren’t sure who constructed it or when, you should contact a professional to check it out now. Chesapeake Chimney & Co. can inspect and clean your chimney system in one quick appointment, and then you can rest assured that your family and home will stay safe another winter. Don’t wait. Call Chesapeake now at 410-535-0052.
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