Got An Exit Strategy?

Do you have an exit strategy?  After a fire at a nightclub broke out in Rhode Island killing 100 people in 2003, the Texas State Fire Marshal decided to conduct a safety evaluation in 189 nightclubs, bars, and reception halls.  The 189 places were randomly selected in eight counties throughout Texas. 182 of the nightclubs, bars, and reception halls had exit violations.  This led to the creation of the campaign "Have An Exit Strategy".

Having an exit strategy rarely comes to mind when people enter a building.  People need to carefully examine a place and look for the exits when entering a building, especially crowded buildings such as clubs and bars.  Make a mental note of the exit signs and all of the windows.  Make sure that doors, windows, and hallways are not blocked by anything.  Many restaurants, nightclubs, and bars tend to block hallways and doors.  If you should come to notice blocked doorways and hallways make sure to bring it to the attention of management.  Finally, yet importantly, stay away from crowded places.  Each building is required by law to have a notice in view to the pubic stating how many people are allowed in the building.  If a place has exceeded its occupancy, do not enter that building. 

People also create fire hazards at home without even realizing it.  With the holidays and winter right around the corner, people like to fill their homes with scented candles to enlighten the holiday spirit and use space heaters and fireplaces to keep warm.  To ensure fire hazard safety, avoid leaving burning candles unattended, near a window or breeze, near flammable liquids, or material such as curtains.  Buy candles in non-tipping holders and place candles on non-flammable surfaces.  Have space heaters checked out annually and keep the heater at least three feet away from anything.  Do not use a cell phone or flip on any electrical switch when you smell gas and most importantly, do not use a stove or any fuel burning equipment to heat up your home.

When using electrical equipment at home, it is best to unplug them after use.  Make sure there is enough room around appliances and plug-ins that generate heat and make sure to keep them away from water.  Avoid plugging to many electronics to one outlet.  This can generate enough heat to create a fire if an outlet is overloaded.  Never try to put out an electrical fire on your own.  Electrical fires are difficult to put out.  Always call 9-1-1.   Fireworks also cause fires and personal injuries.  Considering the dry weather in South Texas, fireworks are usually banned by cities.  However, this does not mean people will not use them.  It is best to buy fireworks from a licensed vendor, use away from a home and away from dried out brush, use protective eyewear, and have plenty of water.  Do not light fireworks in glass or metal containers and never try to re-light a dysfunctional firework. 

These are just a few tips to follow to avoid a fire hazard.  Look at your home and create an exit strategy from all windows and exits.  You never know when an emergency may occur.  By doing this and preparing yourself and your family, you can save lives. 

(For more information regarding this article, contact Elisa Zubeldia at eazubeldia@dusty.tamiu.edu.)