Fire causes major damage to churches across the United States every year. And, every church needs to take steps to minimize this danger. Christian Emergency Network has completed a suggested checklist to reduce the risk of church fires. Here are some basics but for more information go to: ReadyChurch
Kitchen:
All appliances when should have automatic shut off switches when possible
One individual needs to have responsibility to ensure all stoves and appliances are turned off when departing the kitchen and they should be the last one out
Every kitchen should have a type K fire extinguisher
All kitchen volunteers and staff need to be trained in the utilization of these extinguishers
Check and verify the sea on each devicel and that each unit is appropriately charged
Furnace/Air Conditioning:
All units need service with qualified personnel, this is one area not to leave to an unlicensed volunteer.
Inspect the areas around your heating units, make sure no rubbish or other items, flammable or not, are interfering with good air circulation as heat buildups may cause a fire.
In some churches space heaters are used to supplement central heat, assign a responsible person to verify all units are turned off prior to exiting. Preferably, purchase units that have an automatic turnoff after a period of time.
Remove Clutter:
Leftover play props, children’s event items, and a wide variety of other things if stored improperly may become flammable. Always make sure these items are stored properly and away from heat sources.
Make sure any construction or maintenance tools are put away after use, particularly those that generate heat such as a soldering iron.
Flammable items such as paint, cleaning solutions, propane and paint thinners, gasoline and equipment using gasoline must be stored appropriately either in a cool place or preferably in an outside storage shed if possible.
Electrical Wiring:
Check all extension cords and make sure none are brittle or have insulation starting to break apart exposing wire.
Never allow repairs to be made by a volunteer or any unlicensed worker.
Ensure all work is done up to fire code, and in many instances the code may have changed so when you are working on the electrical system it’s a good opportunity to upgrade into a safer environment.
If the church uses older fuse technology, ensure proper sized fuses are installed.
Fire Extinguishers:
Understand different extinguishers are needed for different fires:
Type A is effective for ordinary fires being field by paper would trash or cloth
Type B extinguishers are effective on flammable liquids like Greece, tar, paint, oil or gasoline
Type C are used on electrical fires
Type K are used in kitchens
Determine and purchase the correct type of extinguishers needed and place them strategically throughout the church building. As mentioned, a Type K should be in the kitchen, a Type C in areas where an electrical fire is possible and Type B in areas where flammable liquids may catch fire.
A staff member or qualified volunteer should inspect each fire extinguisher monthly to verify they are in good working order improperly charged.
Volunteers and church leadership should be trained in the appropriate use of fire extinguishers.
Do not assume you can extinguish a fire with your extinguisher, always call or have another person dial 911 to report the fire. Then, utilize the extinguishers where practical. Far better to have a fire truck pull up to verify the flames are extinguished then to wait a few minutes and learn an inferno was created by waiting.
Always keep in mind that people are far more important than anything else in the church so never allow individuals to be in a hazardous position fighting a fire, wait for the fire department when necessary.
Additional tips:
When using extension cords make sure they are properly rated for the appliance being powered.
Consider a “no smoking policy” on church grounds, a carelessly flicked cigarette may set some underbrush aflame threatening your structure.
Review all sockets to verify they have the appropriate faceplates.
Assign the responsibility of turning off all lighted and powered decorations to a specific individual.
Ask your local fire department to give you an inspection and a recommended insurance company.
Be careful to ensure there is no clutter like cleaning buckets or garbage near any exits which could cause people to trip, particularly if dealing with smoke.
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