According to the
National Fire Protection Association
Web site, in 2005, 1.6 million fires
were reported in the United States which
resulted in more than a $10.7 billion
in damages. Although this number is
down four percent from the previous
year, reports NFPA, fire safety and
prevention remains an issue of priority
and all workers should be aware of and
understand their company’s fire
safety plan.
Fires can ignite
from many sources. The most common source
of non-residential (office buildings)
fires is arson. Overheated office machines,
careless smoking, and damaged electrical
sources also play a role in starting
fires. Take the necessary precautions
to prevent fires by continuously monitoring
office appliances, immediately reporting
damaged electrical sources and cords,
cautiously smoking in designated places
only, and diligently following security
procedures to keep unauthorized people
out of the building
Prepare yourself
for the threat of fires by having an
evacuation plan and following these
helpful tips:
