How to Stop a Fire From Spreading in a Building
Did you know, the United States saw more than 1,291,000 fires in 2019?
That’s more than two per minute. Fires destroy property, lives, and livelihoods all across America. However, in the event of a blaze, there are a few things you can do to prevent a fire from spreading, potentially saving yourself and others.
If you want to protect your home or business in the event of a fire, it pays to familiarize yourself with a few key fire prevention methods.
Read on to learn how to stop a fire from spreading.
Be Prepared
The first step to fire prevention is good preparation.
You should make sure every home, business, or complex has suitable and accessible fire extinguishers. Remember, different fires require different extinguishing chemicals.
Ensure all fire alarms are in working condition with full batteries. Test fire alarms often.
You should have an emergency procedure in place in case a fire breaks out. Calm, coordinated actions are essential to fire prevention.
If a fire gets out of control, call 911 immediately.
Fire Doors and Materials
Fire doors and fire-resistant building materials can stop a building fire from spreading rapidly. If the fire cannot be safely extinguished at its source, close all fire doors to contain the blaze.
New buildings should be constructed with fire control in mind. We recommend fire-retardant insulation and fire-proof textiles.
Avoid using wood where possible. Brick, steel, and concrete will reduce the base level of risk and stop a fire from consuming the building.
Additionally, fire-proof buildings can often be salvaged and restored following a fire.
Compartmentalization
Compartmentalizing your building with strategically placed fire doors will slow the spread of a fire.
Even without fire-doors, closing each room off will help prevent the fire from spreading. If it is safe to do so, place a wet towel at the base of each door to stop further smoke and fire damage.
Keep important documents or valuables in different sections of the premises. That way, you will be able to save some of your possessions after the fire is dealt with.
You can contain a residential building fire by removing flammable materials from the communal areas.
Training and Communication
In an emergency, procedure and communication are key.
Everyone in the building should know what to do if they discover or are alerted to a fire. Have a clear plan in place and make sure everybody is trained to follow it.
Commercial and business premises should employ a fire warden to coordinate fire procedures.
A fire warden role involves risk assessment, implementing an evacuation plan, and helping the wounded in the event of a fire. They respond and prevent a fire from spreading.
How to Stop a Fire and Save Lives
So that’s the 101 on how to how to stop a fire from spreading.
A calm, proactive response coupled with effective fire prevention can save lives. With our helpful guide, you will know what to do if an emergency occurs.
If a fire is out of control, always call the emergency services.
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