10 Tips to improve fire safety in schools

Fire safety in schools is a critical issue that must be taken seriously. According to the latest figures from the Department for Education, there were 1,023 fires reported in educational properties in 2016-2017. These fires caused £16.7 million in property damage and injured dozens of people. following these tips can help keep your students safe and prevent costly fire damage!

Schools are also at risk for arson, especially if they are not properly secured. There are a number of ways to reduce the risk of arson, including:

- Installing proper security measures, such as surveillance cameras and alarms

- Making sure all entrances and exits are locked and secure

- Keeping shrubbery trimmed and away from buildings

Fire prevention in schools starts with good fire safety awareness and education. Here are our top ten ways to improve fire safety in schools:

1 Make a fire safety plan and put it into action

A fire safety plan is a set of steps that should be followed in the event of a fire. The plan should include evacuation procedures, as well as a list of designated fire marshals and backup fire marshals. It should be rehearsed regularly so that everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.

Some things that should be included in a fire safety plan for schools are:

- Evacuation procedures: Everyone in the school should know how to evacuate in the event of a fire. There should be a designated fire exit and a backup exit in case the first one is blocked.

- Designated fire marshals: There should be at least one fire marshal on duty at all times, and more if the school is large. The fire marshal should receive additional fire marshal training familiar with the fire safety plan and know how to evacuate everyone safely.

- Fire alarm: The fire alarm should be tested regularly to make sure it is working properly.

- Emergency exits: Make sure all emergency exits are clear and unlocked.

- Fire extinguishers: There should be enough fire extinguishers on campus, and everyone should know how to use them.

- First aid kit: A first aid kit is essential in case of injuries during a fire evacuation.

2 Train staff and educate students about fire safety

Fire safety training is a critical part of fire prevention in any setting, and schools are no exception. Staff should be educated on fire hazards and how to prevent fires, and students should be taught what to do in the event of a fire. This training should be ongoing, not just a one-time event. Everyone in the school should know what to do in the event of a fire, including how to use fire extinguishers and fire blankets. Under UK legislation all staff require annual fire safety training such as our online fire safety training for schools course.

3 Conduct regular fire drills

A fire drill is a planned exercise to test the fire safety plan and ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire. Fire drills should be conducted at least once per term. They should be announced in advance so that everyone knows what to do. During a fire drill, everyone should evacuate the premises in an orderly manner and assemble at a safe distance from the building.

4 Keep fire exits clear

A fire exit is a designated route out of a building in the event of a fire. Fire exits should be kept clear at all times. Any obstructions should be removed immediately. This includes making sure that fire doors are not wedged open.

5 Test fire alarms regularly

A fire alarm is a device that is used to warn people of a fire. It usually consists of an electrically powered horn or a bell, which is sounded when the fire alarm is activated. Fire alarms should be tested monthly to ensure they are in good working order. Any faults should be rectified immediately.

6 Ensure electrical equipment is safe

Schools are full of different types of electrical equipment, from computers and printers to microwaves and toasters. All of this equipment needs to be safe, otherwise it could start a fire. All electrical equipment should be regularly checked for safety. Any damaged or faulty equipment should be repaired or replaced immediately.

Here are some added tips for ensuring that your school's electrical equipment is safe:

-Don't overload sockets

-Don't try to plug too many things into one socket. This can overload the circuit and cause a fire.

-Keep electrical cords tidy and out of the way

Tidy up electrical cords so that they don't create a trip hazard. Also, make sure they are not running under carpets or furniture where they could easily start a fire.

-Replace old or damaged electrical cords

Old or damaged electrical cords can be a fire hazard. Replace them immediately if they are showing signs of wear and tear.

-Don't use extension cords as permanent wiring

Extension cords should only be used as temporary wiring, not as a permanent solution. They can overload the circuit and cause a fire.

All electrical equipment should be regularly checked for safety. Any damaged or faulty equipment should be repaired or replaced immediately.

7 Store flammable materials safely

Flammable materials in schools can include things like cleaning products, aerosols, and paper. It's important to store these materials safely so that they don't present a fire hazard. Flammable materials should be stored in fire-resistant cabinets or rooms. They should never be left unattended. Here are some tips for storing flammable materials safely:

-Store flammable materials in a safe place, away from heat sources

- Store them in a fire-resistant cabinet or container

-Label all flammable materials clearly, so that everyone knows they are flammable

-Make sure all fire extinguishers are easily accessible in the event of a fire

8 No smoking on school premises

Smoking is a fire hazard in schools. It can easily start a fire, and it also produces toxic fumes that can be harmful to smokers and non-smokers alike. For this reason, smoking should clearly not be allowed on school premises. This includes electronic cigarettes.

9 Do not use portable heaters

Portable heaters can be a fire hazard on school premises. They can easily start a fire, and they also produce a lot of heat, which can be dangerous in a small space. For this reason, portable heaters should not be used in schools.

10 Report any fire hazards immediately

Some common fire hazards in schools include:

-Flammable materials, such as cleaning products and aerosols

-Electrical equipment, such as computers and printers

-Heaters, such as portable heaters and radiators

-Smoking materials, such as cigarettes and cigars

If you see any of these fire hazards in your school, report them to the relevant member of staff immediately. By doing this, you could help to prevent a fire from starting.

Conclusion

Following these tips can help keep your students safe and prevent costly fire damage! Educating staff and students about fire safety, and developing and implementing a fire safety plan are the two most important ways to improve fire safety in schools. Regular fire drills, well-maintained fire alarm systems, and clear exits are also crucial. By taking these steps, you can help keep your school safe from fire hazards.

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