Minimizing your Risk

• Keep your workplace clean and in order
• Make sure exits are properly labeled and are not blocked
• Office equipment should not give off smoke or sparks, and cords should be inspected reqularly
• Any office equipment that gives off heat needs to be properly ventalated
• Keep all flamables 12 - 18 inches from any light fixtures and other electrical equipment
• Aviod using extension cords wherever possible
• Have a licenesed electrican inspect the building annually
• Have a licenesed contractor inspect heating and cooling units every autumn
• Never store cleaning supplies or any combustible materials near furnaces or water heaters
• Ashtrays should be tip resistant and should be emptied requently when contants is cool

If a Fire Does Happen

• Most workplaces have and alarm system and sprinkler supression
• Fire extinguishers can be used by employees who are trained
• If your company provides fire extinguishers for employees then must provide training.
• Employees who are not trained to use a fire extinguisher should evacuate the building

If you find yourself trapped in your Office.  Don't Panic

• Cover cracks around doors with damp clothing
• Telephone the 911 and tell them that you are still in the office and where you are, even if the Fire Department is already there
• Do no break a window, but if able open a window. You may need to close that window later.
• Signal for help near a window with a flashlight, blanket, clothing, anything that will draw attention

Getting out of you office

• Crawl low keeping your head between 12 and 24 inches from the floor. Smoke and hot air rises and heavy toxins gather lower than 12 inches
• Never use an elevator under any circumstances, it could fail trapping you inside.
• Walk quickly and carfully down stairwells, NEVER go back up a stairwell.
• Once outside go to you predetermined meeting location, and account for everyone
• NEVER under any circumstances go back into a burning building. Get any information you might have to the firefighters on the scene.

Organizing for Fire Safety

• If there is a fire in your business it will effect everyone. The business may have to be shut down, costing money and maybe even jobs. Years of work and files maybe lost or destroyed, and ever worst of all people could be injuries or even killed.
• Everyone should work together to create an EAP or Emergency Action Plan. An EAP involves escape routes from different areas of the office, and a common meeting place for accountability.
• Employers and Employees working to gether can reduce the threat of fire in the office. Some responsibilities are followed:





• Employers	Employees
  Design the workplace to meet OSHA regulations	Know the full address of the company and how to call the fire department
  Inspect the workplace for fire safety issues	Watch and report problems
  Correct any potentially dangerouse situations quickly and completly	Avoid activities that can create a fire hazard
  Educate new employees about EAP	Know how to operate fire alarm system