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'Tis the Season to Consider Fire Safety at Home and at Work, Says Fire Equipment Manufacturers' Association

'Tis the Season to Consider Fire Safety at Home and at Work, Says Fire Equipment Manufacturers' Association

RISMEDIA, December 12, 2006-Each year fires occurring during the holidays injure 2,600 individuals and cause over $930 million in damage. According to the Fire Equipment Manufacturers' Association (FEMA, The Life Safety Group), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to design a Life Safety Plan for the workplace and to decorate safely for the holidays.

The holiday season, with all its lights, candles, heating devices and decorations, leads to an elevated fire risk. Follow these steps to prepare a Life Safety Plan:

1) Fire Extinguishers: Regularly check to make sure fire extinguishers are operable and pressurized. Report any damage, such as leaks or corrosion, to the facilities manager. If damage is found, they should be replaced immediately.

2) Standpipe Fire Hose Stations: Thorough inspection of this on-site, defend-in-place fire-fighting equipment is a must-do item. This equipment is easy to use on small fires after the fire department has been called and everyone is safe.

3) Fire suppression systems: A pre-engineered fire suppression system is mandated by NFPA standards in special hazard situations, which can involve restaurants and industrial areas. Fire suppression systems provide fast, on-site protection at the early stage of a fire.

4) Evacuation Plan: Exit signage and emergency communications are important components of escape planning. Every building should have visibly placed signs to indicate exit ways, and building occupants should practice escape planning regularly.

5) Training and Education: Training is critical. If the company or facility cannot dedicate the time or resources to a fire safety training program, there are numerous sites online where information can be found, such as http://www.fireextinguisher.com , http://www.rackhosetraining.com and http://www.firesystemstraining.org.
Here are some safe holiday decorating tips provided by the U.S. Fire Administration:

1) Maintain Your Holiday Lights
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

2) Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires -- they should not be warm to the touch.

3) Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended

4) Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.

5) Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace
It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion.

6) Artificial Christmas Trees
If using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

7) Avoid Using Lit Candles
If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.

8) Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame -- candles, lighters or matches.

For more information about FEMA, visit www.femalifesafety.org .

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