School Fire Protection Tips and Requirements

By: Matt Clegg

It is important to teach fire safety in school, but it is also vital to have essential school fire protection systems and practices to keep those inside safe. Prepare staff with the necessary fire emergency procedures because students depend on you to know what to do. Here are a few school fire protection tips and requirements.

School Fire Protection

One unfortunate statistic is that many school fires are set intentionally. Increase the security around the school to prevent intruders, including surveillance and locks for all windows and doors. Schools must have all the necessary fire protection systems in always working order. Like many other public buildings, schools require fire sprinklers, alarms, and fire extinguishers. Sometimes you may even need special fire suppression for a school kitchen or in classroom laboratories. Approximately 10 percent of school fires begin in the kitchen. Having functional school fire protection equipment is important, especially when these kitchens are active during the day. Many students are gathered in the cafeteria when the kitchens are most active.

Preparing Students and Staff

Another important school fire protection tip is to conduct fire drills often in which students and staff participate. Fire drills will show students what to do when they hear the fire alarm. When they know the drill, they will be less panicked. They will know who to follow, where to meet, and what not to bring. Students and staff should know the location of pull stations and all emergency exits. There should be maps located around the school that points to at least two exits. Account for kids with special needs and make sure they get the help they need. Lastly, know where your student roster is and check every student is present and accounted for.

Educating Students

Teach kids general fire safety practices to make sure they are safe at school and home. There are many resources available to everyone, including materials on the NFPA website. Do not just teach them about school fire protection. Ensure they have a well-rounded fire safety education. Teach kids what some common fire hazards are and how to avoid them. Emergency preparedness is an essential topic for young children to learn.

Valley Fire Protection & Plumbing can design, install, and repair the right school fire protection systems. Call us to get started on a quote or set up your service today.

By: Matt Clegg
As an executive at Valley Fire Protection, Matt’s desire is to provide the best fire protection and engineering experience for Valley Fire customers. By thinking outside the box, and by educating and equipping clients with the information they need to help them properly protect their buildings, Matt and his team have contributed to a long list of successful projects.

2 Comments

  1. Avatar

    Great series of tips Matt.

    I know that most area Fire Departments have staff specially trained in providing fire related public education for both staff and students. Many of these program are geared to specific grades and job duties.

    With Fire Prevention Week about to start it’s a great time to engage with everyone involved. Ensure that your systems are inspected, tested and maintained correctly so that they can do their best when things are the worst.

    Take care and be fire safe!
    Professor Pugsley

    Reply
  2. Avatar

    Great article, Matt! I really like the idea of teaching “emergency preparedness” to students. This encompasses so many things and will set them up for success in the event of something happening.

    Fire safety is crucial beyond the school walls. These were all great and practical ways to accomplish how to educate kids in this topic!

    Reply

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