Enjoy a safe holiday season with some basic fire safety tips!
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and festivity. It’s a time when commercial buildings, from shopping malls to office complexes, are often adorned with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and cheerful displays. While these decorations can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, they also pose potential fire hazards.
Let’s explore essential fire safety measures that every commercial building in Honolulu, HI, should implement to ensure a safe and joyful holiday season.
SEE ALSO: Keep Your Building Safe with a Fire Alarm Monitoring System
Choose Fire-Resistant Decorations
When decorating a commercial building for the holidays, it’s wise to select decorations that are fire-resistant or flame-retardant. Look for labels that certify the products as safe for use in public spaces.
Proper Installation
When decorating, it’s easy to overlook safety equipment like sprinklers, extinguishers, and fire alarm devices. Be mindful when decorating your surroundings. Avoid the temptation to obstruct evacuation routes, adorn fire devices with tinsel or wreaths, use safety equipment as hooks for garlands or ornaments, or hang decorations near heat sources. Not only are you preventing the equipment from properly functioning, but you might also be violating a fire code ordinance.
Limit the Use of Extension Cords
Avoid overloading extension cords with multiple devices or decorations. Overloaded extension cords can overheat and cause fires. Use power strips with surge protectors when possible, and always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for their use.
Inspect Electrical Wiring
Electrical decorations like stringed lights and illuminated displays require the use of electrical wiring. Before installation, inspect all electrical wiring and connections for any signs of wear, fraying, or damage that may cause electrical shock or short circuits, and replace any damaged wires or parts. After installation, remember to regularly inspect those extension cords, surge protectors, and electrical decorations for any signs of tampering, degradation, or wear and tear.
Monitor Candle Use
Candles are often a part of holiday decorations. Commercial buildings should consider using flameless LED candles or limiting the use of traditional candles. If open flames are used, ensure they are supervised, placed in non-flammable holders, and away from other flammable materials.
Regularly Check Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers
Year-round maintenance of smoke alarms and fire extinguishers is essential, but it becomes even more critical during the holiday season when fire risks increase. Ensure that all smoke alarms are working correctly, and replace the batteries as needed. Have fire extinguishers on hand and make sure they are up to date and fully charged.
Educate Occupants
Create awareness of holiday fire safety by hosting a training session on “Fire Safety & Decorating” or posting a bulletin on the topic. Bring awareness to the unique risks associated with holiday decorations and activities. The holiday season can be a wonderful time for businesses to spread cheer and attract customers. However, it’s crucial to prioritize fire safety to prevent disasters. By following these fire safety measures, commercial buildings can create a festive environment while keeping employees and visitors safe throughout the holidays.
At Phoenix Pacific, we are deeply committed to helping our community and customers enjoy a safe and merry holiday season. Contact us today to learn how we can help you make this happen!