Everything You Should Know About Fire Safety in Schools | Wihkum’s Guide to School Safety
Schools are vibrant hubs of activity, filled with curious kids, eager teens, and dedicated staff. But in such bustling environments, fire safety in schools is not just important, it’s absolutely essential.
No one wants to imagine the worst, but being prepared for a fire can make all the difference in protecting lives and minimising damage. Effective fire safety procedures not only help prevent potential fire hazards but also ensure everyone knows how to respond in an emergency. As schools continue to evolve and grow, it’s also crucial that their fire safety measures are both up-to-date and effective.
In this school safety guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about fire safety in schools, from creating a solid fire protection plan to utilising technology like our school safe app; Wihkum, to keep students safe.
Let’s begin.
Why is Fire Safety in Schools Important? The Alarming Statistics
Schools are home to hundreds of students and staff daily. Ensuring fire safety in schools isn’t just about complying with regulations; it’s about keeping students safe and providing peace of mind to parents and educators.
Fires can spread quickly, especially in environments filled with easily flammable materials like books, papers, and furniture. That’s why having a strong fire safety plan is essential. It helps schools prevent emergencies and ensures that everyone knows how to act swiftly in the event of a fire. Without adequate fire protection in schools, the consequences of a fire can be devastating.
Following statistics highlight the gravity of fire safety in schools:
- Since 2000, there have been 1,454 fires in education properties in New South Wales alone. Source: (journal.spera.asn.au/)
- In the Melbourne Metropolitan area, 103 people lost their lives in fire-related incidents between 2004 and 2015, with 26 of those deaths occurring in homes that lacked a functioning smoke alarm. (Source: aph.gov.au/Parliamentary Business/)
- Moreover, school arson (act of setting fire in school) is a serious issue. In NSW, most arson cases happen between 4 PM and 8 PM on weekends, with 55% of incidents occurring from Friday to Sunday. Arsonists mostly target schools by entering through windows or ground-floor openings, using school materials to set fires. (Source: bocsar.nsw.gov.au/)
These statistics emphasise the need for comprehensive fire safety measures in schools. Implementing fire prevention strategies and ensuring quick responses can help keep everyone safe and reduce the risks associated with fires.
10 Preventive Measures for Fire Safety in Schools
Schools, with their high traffic and many possible fire hazards, must take proactive steps to prevent and manage fire risks. By implementing these fire safety strategies, schools can create a safer environment for everyone on campus.
1. Install and Maintain Fire Alarm Systems
A modern and reliable fire alarm system is important in detecting fires early and alerting everyone on campus. It is important to install a system with smoke and heat detectors and manual pull stations, ensuring they are strategically placed throughout the school.
Regular testing of these systems by professional services are crucial to guarantee they are functional when needed. Any faulty components must be fixed immediately to avoid potential failures during an emergency.
2. Conduct Regular Fire Drills and Practice Evacuation Plans
Frequent fire drills are important to ensure that students and staff know what to do during a fire emergency.
Schools should conduct at least two fire drills each year, helping everyone become familiar with evacuation procedures. The evacuation plans should be displayed in every classroom and hallway, showing exit routes and assembly points outside the building.
Teachers and staff should be well-trained in leading students to safety.
3. Clearly Mark Exits and Escape Routes
All exit signages and escape routes should be clearly marked with illuminated signs that are visible even in smoke-filled conditions.
These routes must always be unobstructed by furniture, equipment, or other items that could slow down evacuation. Regular inspections should ensure that all escape paths are accessible and clear.
4. Implement a Fire Prevention Program
A comprehensive fire prevention program can significantly reduce the risk of fires in schools. The program should include policies on:
- safe storage of flammable materials
- electrical safety
- overall housekeeping practices
Enforcing a no-smoking policy on school grounds further reduces fire hazards.
5. Place and Maintain Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers should be easily accessible throughout the school. Ensure that they are placed in strategic locations such as classrooms, hallways, and common areas.
Regular checks are necessary to ensure the extinguishers are fully charged and in working order. Staff should be trained on how to use them properly in case of an emergency.
6. Educate Students and Staff on Fire Safety
Fire safety education is key to creating a culture of safety in school. Both students and staff should receive training on fire safety procedures, like:
- how to use fire extinguishers
- how to respond during a fire
As mentioned above, schools can organise workshops, presentations, and drills to reinforce these lessons. Teachers can also incorporate fire safety lessons into the curriculum, especially during National Fire Prevention Week, to teach students the importance of fire safety in their everyday lives.
7. Collaborate with Local Fire Departments
Building a strong relationship with local fire departments is helpful for effective fire safety management in schools.
Firefighters can assess the school’s fire risks and provide valuable recommendations for improvements. They can also assist in conducting fire drills and educating students and staff on fire safety. Additionally, local fire departments should have access to up-to-date building blueprints, which are useful in guiding their response during a fire emergency.
8. Use Fire-Resistant Building Materials
During renovations or when constructing new buildings, using fire-resistant materials can significantly reduce the spread of fire.
Fire-resistant doors, windows, and walls help to contain the fire, buying precious time for evacuation. Fire-resistant furniture and fixtures can also be incorporated into classrooms and hallways, providing an extra layer of protection.
9. Conduct Regular Fire Safety Inspections
Regular fire safety inspections are important to identify the potential hazards around the school. Inspections should cover:
- electrical systems
- heating equipment
- fire alarm systems
- fire extinguishers
Any issues or potential risks must be addressed immediately to prevent a fire from occurring.
10. Invest in Emergency Management and Services
Having a detailed emergency fire management plan is essential for handling the crisis. This plan should outline procedures for communication with parents, emergency responders, and other stakeholders.
Schools should invest in emergency management services to ensure they are well-equipped for any emergency. Emergency contact lists, communication systems, and medical supplies should be readily available at all times.
Now that you’ve gone through the preventive measures to minimise the risk of a fire, let’s explore the essential safety actions to take in case a fire emergency does occur.
9 Essential Steps to Take During a School Fire Emergency
When a fire breaks out in a school, first of all, keep calm. Follow the proper procedures to ensure the safety of students and staff. Schools must have clear fire safety protocols in place, and everyone should know exactly what to do in the event of a fire emergency. Here are the essential steps to take:
1. Activate the Fire Alarm
The first step is to immediately activate the fire alarm. This alerts everyone in the building about the danger and begins the evacuation process. If the alarm is already sounding, move to the next step.
2. Alert Authorities
Call emergency services (fire department) immediately. Provide the exact location of the fire and inform them about any students or staff that may be trapped or require assistance. The quicker this step is taken; the faster help will arrive.
3. Evacuate the Building
Follow the established evacuation routes.
Schools should have a well-practiced evacuation plan, and everyone should know where the exits are. Use stairwells instead of elevators, as they can be dangerous during a fire. Ensure all students and staff members move quickly and calmly to the designated assembly points.
4. Stay Low and Cover Your Mouth
If there’s heavy smoke, stay close to the ground where the air is clearer. Cover your mouth with a cloth, such as a scarf or your sleeve, to help filter the smoke and avoid inhaling toxic gases. This can help prevent smoke inhalation, which can be deadly in a fire.
5. Help Those with Special Needs
If there are students or staff members with mobility issues, make sure they are assisted during the evacuation. This may involve carrying them to safety or guiding them through the quickest route out of the building.
6. Do Not Re-enter the Building
Once you’ve evacuated, never return to the building until fire authorities declare it safe.
Re-entering could expose you to additional risks, such as collapsing structures or toxic fumes. Ensure everyone is accounted for at the assembly point.
7. Use Fire Extinguishers (Only If Safe to Do So)
If the fire is small and manageable, a fire extinguisher can be used to put it out. However, only attempt to use a fire extinguisher if you’re confident and it is safe to do so. If the fire is large or spreading rapidly, evacuate immediately and let the professionals handle it.
8. Follow Fire Safety Training
In schools where staff and students receive fire safety training, it’s important to put that training into action. Practice drills and understanding fire safety protocols ahead of time can make all the difference during an actual emergency.
Additionally, it’s important for everyone to be familiar with the fire escape routes, locations of fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment.
9. Use Wihkum in Fire Emergency Procedures
In a fire emergency, time is of the essence, and having a reliable system in place can make all the difference. Incorporating Wihkum—a comprehensive school fire safety app—can:
- Instantly alert authorities by tapping the ‘Help’ button and ensures a quick response in emergencies.
- Track GPS locations to guide first responders directly to the scene, speeding up evacuation and rescue.
- Streamline evacuation procedures by providing clear instructions to students and staff for a quick and safe exit.
- Enhance communication by sending real-time updates and alerts to everyone on campus, keeping everyone informed.
- Ensure safety protocols are followed, minimising confusion and chaos during a fire emergency.
Download Wihkum App | Guarantee Fire Safety in Schools
With Wihkum, you can take immediate action to protect your students and staff, ensuring fast responses and effective evacuation plans. From instant alerts to real-time tracking, Wihkum equips your school with all the tools needed for fire emergencies.
Don’t leave safety to chance—make sure you’re prepared with the most reliable app designed for school fire safety.