Safety First for Small Businesses: Fire

Today we joined the West Ridge Chamber of Commerce and Commander Preston Roberson with the Chicago Fire Department as they discussed Fire Safety in Small Businesses.  Even though this event was catered to small businesses, there are several tips the Commander offered that would be great to implement at home:

• Smoke Detectors: Reminder that smoke detectors must be near all bedrooms in the home.  Commander Roberson also reminds us that the batteries need to be changed 2 times per year (when we change the clocks).  Commander also says to make sure you are aware of expiration dates on the smoke detectors.  He said most of them are 10 years, and it goes by the date of manufacture on the packaging, not the date you installed it.
• Have a Plan: Have a plan, in case of an emergency. If you are in your home, or your office, know how many doors there are to get outside. He explained that when there is an emergency, we have a tendency to rush out, knowing how many doors, stairs, etc. are in the pathway of getting out is important during a crisis.
• Meeting Point: Have a place to meet everyone that lives with you, if there is an emergency. Commander Roberson suggests an area away from the front door, because when emergency services arrive, this is often their point of entry, and it is helpful to keep the main entrance clear, so they can get inside the building.  Make sure everyone is accounted for and have everyone stay together in your group.

• Remember to PASS:  Commander Roberson says that if the size of the fire is the size of a dining room table or so and you have access to a fire extinguisher, remember to PASS if you attempt to extinguish the flames.  If the fire is larger than the size of a dining room table, do not attempt to put the fire out, let the fire department handle it. Once you have used the extinguisher, it is no longer good and must be replaced.

P - PULL the Pin

A - AIM the nozzle

S - SQUEEZE the handle

S - SWEEP the nozzle over the fire

We would like to thank the West Ridge Chamber of Commerce and Commander Preston Roberson with the Chicago Fire Department for putting on this important event today!