FACILITIES
Fires are among the most devastating risks any organization can face. Beyond the immediate damage to property, equipment, and documents, a fire can disrupt operations, displace staff, and affect the community your organization serves. Effective fire prevention isn't just about complying with the rules; it's also about taking care of shared resources and making sure your mission continues.To keep your buildings and the people who work, attend school, or worship there safe, you need to establish and stick to a proactive fire prevention plan. The good news: with planning, training, and regular inspections, most fires can be stopped before they start.
Every building, whether it's a school, church, office, or maintenance building, has its own set of fire threats. Some of the most common causes of fires are:
Faulty or overloaded electrical systems
Storing flammable materials incorrectly
Leaving heating and cooking equipment unattended
Not keeping HVAC systems or fire suppression equipment in good shape
Human error, like using candles or space heaters carelessly
The first step in preventing fires is to realize that fires are a risk for everybody, but they can be controlled. A complete preventive strategy helps you find dangers, develop policy, train your staff, and make sure your building is ready for a fire if it ever happens.
A solid safety culture starts with a good fire prevention plan. It doesn't have to be complicated, but it does have to be complete, up-to-date, and followed consistently. Here are the most important steps for making and keeping your strategy. 1. Identify Fire Hazards Start by carefully looking over your facilities. Check for things that could start a fire, including overloaded outlets, space heaters, or kitchen appliances, as well as things that could catch fire, like paper, cleaning supplies, fuel, or decorations. Document where these dangers exist, and examine whether they can be removed, reduced, or better controlled. For example:
Use power strips that are rated for the job instead of extension cords.
Keep flammable liquids in approved safety cabinets.
Don't put things that can catch fire near equipment that makes heat.
Regular hazard assessments—at least yearly or after any building renovation—should be part of your safety practice.
2. Maintain Fire Protection Equipment Your facility's protective systems, such alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, and emergency lights, only work if they are in good shape. Follow local fire codes and schedule professional inspections when they are needed. Check monthly to make sure that fire extinguishers are charged and easy to get to, that exits are clear, and that alarm panels are working properly. Make sure that the fire doors in your building don't stay open, and close automatically. Check to make sure that shelving or equipment isn't blocking your building's fire suppression systems (like sprinklers). 3. Establish Safe Practices Write down rules for how employees and volunteers should deal with fire dangers. These could include:
Not allowing open flames or smoking in areas
Using cords, appliances, and heaters safely
Proper storage of cleaning chemicals and flammable materials
Requirements for shutting down equipment at the end of the day
Make sure everyone knows about these processes and go over them at staff orientations or safety meetings. Culture change develops when everyone knows their responsibility in prevention. 4. Educate and Train Your StaffA plan is only as good as the people who carry it out. Set up frequent fire safety training for both staff and volunteers. Training should include:
How to spot and report fire dangers
How to use fire extinguishers
When to evacuate the building and when to try to put out a small fire
The location of exits, alarm pulls, and staff assembly locations
Consider integrating brief drills or tabletop exercises to reinforce learning and test response techniques.
5. Develop an Evacuation and Emergency Response Plan Emergencies can still happen, even if you try to stop them. Every building should have a written evacuation plan that includes:
Primary and secondary exit routes
Designated assembly areas outside the building
Procedures for accounting for all occupants
Responsibilities for key personnel (e.g., calling 911, helping those with mobility issues, shutting down systems)
Put up maps of your building that show where to go in case of an emergency and practice evacuating at least twice a year. The faster and calmer the response, the better the outcome.
6. Work with the Local Fire DepartmentAsk the fire department in your area to come look around your building and participate in fire drills. They can help you find risks, make sure your access points are clear, and get to know your layout. If there is a fire, this knowledge could save a lot of time. Fire departments can also help you make sure your building follows local regulations by giving you useful information about inspection requirements and fire code compliance.
7. Document, Review, and Improve A fire protection plan is always changing. Keep accurate records of inspections, maintenance, and training. Check the plan once a year or anytime something significant happens, like when the building is being remodeled, new equipment is being put in, or staff members leave.
After a drill, inspection, or real event, have a short meeting to talk about what went well and what may be better. The key to being strong is to always get better.
For many ministries, schools, and religious communities, fire risks extend beyond the building. Wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe across the U.S., and properties located near open spaces, forests, or grasslands face unique challenges.
Even if your organization is not in a traditionally high-risk area, understanding wildfire dynamics and taking preventative measures can make a significant difference. Start by evaluating adjacent land by using the type of vegetation and development surrounding your property and working with neighbors to reduce hazards like overgrown brush or unmanaged dry grass.
Next, manage vegetation and maintain defensible space around buildings. Keep the area within five feet of any structure completely clear of flammable materials, and regularly trim shrubs, trees, and grass within 100 feet. Removing ladder fuels—plants or branches that allow fire to climb from the ground to treetops—can dramatically slow the spread of flames.
Review your building construction and materials as well. Class A fire-rated roofs, noncombustible siding, ember-resistant vents, and dual-pane windows can all reduce the chance of ignition.
Finally, coordinate with your local fire department or wildfire agencies. They can help identify vulnerabilities, review evacuation routes, and ensure your facility is part of local emergency response plans.
It takes time and effort to prevent fires, but the advantages are well worth it. You can protect your facilities and the well-being of your community by finding dangers early, keeping equipment in good shape, and promoting a culture of safety. Remember: fire safety is not a one-time project, it’s a continuous relationship between your personnel, your leadership, and your local fire department. You can work together to make sure that your property and mission stay safe for years to come.Christian Brothers Risk Solutions can help your organization with its fire prevention efforts through online employee training. We also offer a variety of flyers, guides, and toolkits to help make your workplace safer. This includes an Emergency Operations Plan to assist your organization in mitigating a variety of risks, including fire prevention. Contact us at 800.807.0300 or RiskCustomerService@cbservices.org to learn more about the resources we offer to keep your facility safe this winter.
