Why It’s Crucial to Revisit Your Fire Safety Plan this Summer
Summer always feels like a fresh start. The weather warms up, the sunshine comes out, folks spend more time outside, and life slows to a relaxed, enjoyable pace. But as fun as this season can be, summer also ushers in a new set of fire safety risks.
Whether you own a home or run a business, now is the time to ensure your fire safety plan still holds up for these warmer months ahead. Summer fires often occur due to small but serious hazards: A grill too close to the house, parched grass that hasn’t been trimmed, or extension cords running too many devices all at once.
These oversights can seem harmless—until they’re not. So, as summer rounds the corner, here are some actions to take for your home or business’s fire safety plan.
Summer Brings a Different Type of Fire Risk
Most structures are built with fire safety in mind, but this doesn’t mean your home or business is primed for everything the summer could throw at it. This season brings hot temperatures, dry weather conditions, outdoor barbecues, and increases in energy use. All of these factors can spark fire ignitions and accelerate how fast they spread.
Even small actions can exacerbate the risk. Be careful not to store gas canisters in any indoor space, run too many fans or window units on the same circuit, or allow your landscape to grow out of control. Overlooking these issues now can spell disaster later on.
What a Summer Fire Safety Plan Needs to Cover
Creating a fire safety plan isn’t about stashing a binder on your shelf or taping a checklist to the wall. It’s about implementing a system that will protect all building occupants (and the structure itself) before, during, and after a fire occurs. Here’s where to start:
● Walk through your space like it’s the first time you’ve been here. Are any exits blocked? Are the fire extinguishers visible and accessible if necessary?
● Test all the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. If they don’t activate on cue during a manual test, it’s likely time to replace the batteries.
● Conduct a thorough inspection of your building’s exterior. Do you notice overgrown weeds, dry sticks or leaves, or other flammable debris near the structure?
● Make sure all building occupants are familiar with the evacuation plan. Whether it’s the members of your household or your team at the office, everyone should know how to escape in the event of a fire and where to meet once they’re outside.
Fire Codes Are Not Just Formalities
Many fires can be prevented just by fixing common fire safety code violations. Replacing old or broken fire extinguishers, decluttering exit pathways, and removing flammable items away from heat sources are some of the easiest ways to reinforce fire protection.
Professional Assistance Can Fill in the Gaps
Even if your building looks safe at first glance, some fire hazards can be difficult to see with the naked eye. That’s where fire safety professionals come in. These highly trained technicians can inspect the area, identify blind spots, and implement solutions.
From the fire sprinkler systems to the smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, a professional can handle all the necessary inspections and maintenance to ensure your equipment works reliably when it matters most. The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) list of warm weather safety tips is another valuable resource to guide seasonal maintenance checks.
Start with Simple Maintenance Checks
To recap: You don’t have to overhaul your home or business’s entire fire protection plan today. Just taking a few simple actions can make an impactful difference.
● Walk through your space and take note of anything that looks off.
● Move flammable materials away from the building.
● Make sure all extinguishers are functional and clearly marked.
● Monitor every smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm,
● Call a professional if you suspect a safety issue.
Most fires don’t start with something dramatic. In many cases, a spark ignites from a small and seemingly innocuous culprit, then escalates into a blaze. The steps you take right now can help minimize this risk—both in the summer and all year long.
Ramp Up Before Summer Hits Full Swing
If a fire safety plan hasn’t been on your radar, now is the time to start paying attention. Fire protection works best when you take action before an emergency occurs. So, enjoy the heat and sunshine this summer—but don’t ignore the potential risks to fire safety.
Alana Groom
Bella Duckworth
Ella Summers
Karin Hoover
Linjo Joson
Molly Milson
TraceyC