Per the U.S Fire Administration (USFA), residential structure fires resulted in roughly 84% of all fire deaths and 78% of all injuries to civilians in 2007. Between 1998 and 2007, there were an estimated 397,650 fires annually that resulted in 3,040 civilian deaths and 14,960 injuries each year.

Many people are under the misconception that fire safety is expensive. But, with National Fire Prevention Week taking place Oct. 4-10, it’s good to remind people that there are low-cost fire safety approaches that can be effective.

The foundation of any fire prevention program begins with a clear, comprehensive, and well-communicated fire prevention policy that gives purpose and direction to fire prevention plans, procedures, and training. There is not a lot of extra cost in promoting and enforcing your safety policies and measures and dissemination of safety information. Fire safety education is the cornerstone of prevention.

Fire Triangle

In order for a fire to start, heat, fuel, and oxygen must be present. If one is absent, a fire cannot occur. It is called the “Fire Triangle.” The components can appear in many forms so it is important for those wanting to adapt fire prevention measures to look carefully. Sometimes, people do not realize that all three are present until it becomes too late—for example, a tiny electrical spark often cannot be seen at all.

Training and Education

By educating tenants and staff on fire prevention, housing authorities can minimize the loss of life and property. Fire Prevention Week, which takes place Oct. 4-10, is a great time to work with residents to practice home fire safety. This year’s theme is “Use Your Brain, Avoid the Pain; Stay Fire Smart, Don’t Get Burned.”

HAI Group employees can help you with your training needs. Risk Control and Consulting Services makes a major commitment to educate and assist public housing staff in controlling and reducing accidents, injuries, and property damage on Public Housing Authority (PHA) property. We offer many services to help you develop and maintain a successful Risk Control Program. Visit our Web site to find our Video/DVD library listing. To reserve a video for two weeks at no charge, call 800-873-0242 (ext. 276). In addition, Housing TeleVideo Network (HTVN) offers free online, on-time professional development programs geared to the housing industry for members. Training is delivered right to your desktop.

Inspections

Buildings are subject to fire inspections as are most multi-family occupancies. Inspections help identify, address, and remove specific causes of fires. Frequent inspections are proven cost effective measures that could be put into effect at your housing development.

Fire Department Inspections

There are many types of inspections. The fire department can visit to advise on compliance with state, municipality, and national fire prevention codes that pertains to life safety. The fire department will become familiar with a building’s layout and a PHA’s operation and will help reduce fire exposure by identifying fire and life safety problems. Most fire departments are available for training to staff and residents.

Self Inspection

PHA staff can conduct self-inspections and customize an inspection route to cover each building. The frequency of inspections varies from daily to annually; it depends on the potential for fires, past accident experience with regard to frequency, and severity. The key person for inspections is the site manager or supervisors who are familiar with the site. Other persons frequently involved with inspections include safety committee members, a safety director, and risk managers. For group inspections, involve employees from all levels, including someone from the department being inspected.

Insurance Company Representative

HAI Group Risk Control representatives complete site visits and provide feedback on how well exposures are controlled. They can arrange to conduct fire surveys. Give your service area associate a call to set up a survey.

HAI Group can work with you to present a one-hour training session on fire safety to help residents increase fire safety awareness at your PHA. Give your representative a call to set up the training.