Are Fire Extinguishers Part of Your Fire Safety Plan?
As part of their fire safety plan most people are aware of the necessity of having working smoke detectors in their homes and apartments. Some places may have special safety events where smoke detectors are given out for free with the intent of making sure people are safe. Some families even practice fire drills just in case.
However, not much mention is made of fire extinguishers. As an HOA or community association board member or property manager, you need to be aware of the importance of having working fire extinguishers on the property. Fire safety depends not only on working smoke detectors, but fire extinguishers as well.
Learn About Fire Extinguishers
The general public is not aware of the different types of fire extinguishers. Knowing that different substances work on certain types of fires is critical to fire safety. Types and sizes of extinguishers are varied. Fire extinguishers can be of the dry chemical powder type, CO2, clean agent halon and water. Knowing the best fire extinguisher for your property can save lives in the event of a fire. Not having the right type could mean disaster.
State licensed technicians can give you all the information you need to know about making the correct choice for fire extinguishers for your property. They can also inspect and certify fire extinguishers you may already have installed. If you need to install some, you will want to hire a licensed technician to ensure that you are getting the type needed.
Don’t Set It and Forget It
In Florida fire extinguishers need to be inspected monthly visually. The law requires that they be certified each year. Keeping in compliance with the state fire codes and those of the local authority is essential. Hefty fines and possible cancellation of your insurance are penalties you risk if you don’t comply. However, the most important risk is the safety of your property and the lives there. For fire safety, keep your extinguishers up to code and make sure they are in working order.
Bring It to the Table
You are probably already aware of the necessity for fire extinguishers to be available on your property. However, ensuring the people know how to use them properly may not be something that has been brought up in meetings or gatherings. Consider an annual fire safety day where residents can learn about fire prevention and using extinguishers. This event could turn out to be a life saver somewhere down the road. Inviting a fire safety professional to speak and teach people about the proper use of fire extinguishers and how to prevent common household fires in the first place can be a valuable part of your fire safety plan. At the very least an annual or bi-annual flyer covering the topic and given to residents will help in establishing good fire safety habits.
