Fire Safety & Prevention

All parish personnel and volunteers who regularly meet on parish premises should be mindful of fire safety procedures and protocols. It is critical to know what to do in the event of a fire and how to guide children, the elderly and the disabled to safety. Parish administrators should conduct regularly scheduled fire drills, especially when religious education classes are in session. Religious education students or volunteers with special needs should be assigned an individual to assist them. Fire drills are a good opportunity to identify those who require extra assistance.

Everyone present at the time of these drills should fully participate. Everyone should be able to identify the sound of the fire alarm and know the exit routes and fire escapes.

Maintain order during all drills. While it is important to leave the building as quickly as possible, order is more important than speed when it comes to conducting a safe fire drill. To account for students in the religious education classes, instruct catechists to use rosters and to take the rosters with them during the drill.

During a fire, every second counts. In addition to fire alarms, all parishes should establish escape plans to help occupants leave the building in a timely manner. An escape plan should include at least two ways out of each room in the building. Managers should stress the importance of leaving the building immediately once a fire occurs; occupants should not re-enter the building for any reason. Once established, escape plans should be practiced every month to ensure that every staff member is familiar with the most efficient means of egress.

Every parish should have working fire alarms and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will detect smoke and hazardous gases which can be the first warning signs of fire, while fire alarms alert all occupants and the appropriate authorities. Fire alarms should be installed on every level of the building. It is also beneficial to place the smoke detectors along the escape path from the building to help staff leave safely if visibility is low.

All devices should be tested once a month to ensure proper operation, and batteries should be changed twice a year. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced at least every 10 years.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the combination of smoke detectors and fire sprinklers lowers the risk of death during a fire by more than 80 percent. A sprinkler system is a valuable fire prevention tool, but they must be professionally maintained and inspected regularly. Maintenance checkups will ensure that the sprinkler system gauges are steady, the water valve is open, and there is no debris blocking the pump connections. To avoid malfunctioning, do not hang anything from any part of the sprinkler system. For more information, contact the Office of Risk Management.

If your location has fire extinguishers, be sure to know where they are located. Most parish facilities have five-pound ABC extinguishers for ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids and electrical equipment. In addition, if you have a kitchen on the premises, the kitchen may have a Class K extinguisher for use on combustible cooking materials.

In general, extinguishers should only be used: 1.) in the early stages of a fire after occupants and the fire department have been alerted; 2.) when the fire is contained in a small area; and 3.) if you have a means of escape.

As with any mechanical device, fire extinguishers must be maintained on a regular basis to ensure proper operation.

The Office of Risk Management has put together a list of approved vendors who can provide a free engineering survey to recommend fire extinguisher placements for your facility. In addition, the ORM conducts fire extinguisher training sessions for institutions in our insurance program. For more details, please call: 617-746-5742.

Following good housekeeping protocols will help you maintain a safe environment.

• Many fires start due to the improper use of electrical equipment. Never plug too many power cords into one outlet. Check the plug and body of the cord while in use. If overly hot to the touch, replace it.
• Extension cords should only be used temporarily and are not meant for permanent use.
• Never allow lighted candles in your office or school locations.
• Decorations and displays should conform to established fire regulations. Materials should not block or conceal exit doors or exit signs, outlets, fire alarms or fire extinguishers.
• Keep chemicals and painting supplies in a safe location that is not easily accessible.

Arson is one of the leading causes of fires. In 2012, there were over 270 cases of arson reported. To help prevent arson, immediately report any suspicious activity or individuals. Take seriously any threats or other information you may receive about potential acts of arson and report this information to parish administration.

When the winter weather arrives, there are other considerations for preventing fires. Some buildings become drafty and cold, causing occupants to utilize space heaters. If using a space heater is permitted, make sure to keep the heater at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as paper, clothing or furniture. A space heater that automatically shuts off if it tips over also helps to ensure safety.

According to FireSafety.gov, electrical fires cause nearly 70,000 home fires and over 500 deaths in the United States each year. December is the most dangerous month for electrical fires. Common causes of these fires include misuse and failed maintenance of appliances, faulty wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords.

Other considerations include the following:

• Make sure to use only heavy-duty extension cords for high-wattage appliances, such as freezers and heaters.
• Do not run electrical cords under rugs or trap power cords against walls because heat can build up.
• Check appliances and wiring often and replace worn, old, or damaged appliance cords immediately.
• Appliances that spark, smoke or overheat should be replaced.
• An electrician should check light switches that are hot, broken outlets and lights that flicker.

Please take the above precautions for staying safe and educating others regarding fire prevention.