SURVIVING THE HIGH LIFE

The world has some of the most unique and innovative building structures in the nation. Ranging from the New York skyline to a Pharaoh’s pyramid, they provide a host of entertainment and leisure activities to thousands of tourists. The employees who work in these structures must be made aware of the magnitude of fire and its threat to them personally. The Fire Prevention Bureau now has a program that is designed to show the employees of these unique buildings how to lower or perhaps eliminate the risk of fire starting in their buildings. The Hotel/High-Rise Life Safety Program is the result of the efforts of many people in fire prevention and not only covers prevention, but also fire and EMS response and investigations.

The training lasts for eight hours and is given at the host property. A Fire Inspector will introduce the employees to various life safety systems that are in their property. I also discuss the fire sprinkler systems, fire pumps, fire alarms, the fire control room and common fire hazards. Proper use of a fire extinguisher is discussed, as well as their responsibility to perform fire drills on a periodic basis. Keeping exit corridors clear and unobstructed are stressed. Through the use of films and slides the employee wil be shown how to recognize fire hazards and take the corrective action necessary to remove those hazards and answers any questions they may have. A responsible for scheduling of training sessions should be employed.

However, even in the best of times the worst things can happen. Instructions on how the employee can assist the local Fire Department during an emergency response. Having security officers meet the responding crews at the nearest entrance and getting them to the victim by the fastest route is stressed, as is the importance of giving up-to-date information about the condition of the victim. Crowd control at the scene and during removal of the patient to the transportation unit is discussed. Problems with placing larger engine and truck companies during a fire are explained.

Arson behavior from pyromania to the vanity fire setter should be discussed with the Fire Investigation Division. The different legal levels of the crime of arson can be explained, as well as how the employee can help to preserve the scene of a fire until an investigator arrives. Of course a quick explanation of the talents of arson investigation dogs,can be given. Also covered in this portion of the program are the dangers of explosive devices and the local policy for emergency response to a suspected device. Employees are shown a few examples of these devices and learn that it is best to treat them with a lot of respect and a wide berth.

As we well know, there are many measures that can be taken to reduce fire losses, however none is more important than educating people about fire. The Hotel/High-Rise Life Safety Program accomplishes this goal. The employees leave with a firm understanding of their role in fire prevention.

Return to Homepage

 The Fellowship Of Christian Firefighters

Mail me with suggestions and more input.

Back     Next