FIRE PREVENTION WEEK IS HELD EACH YEAR TO COMMEMORATE ONE OF THE WORST FIRES IN AMERICAN HISTORY--the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. According to popular legend, at about 9 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8, a cow in a barn behind Katherine O'Leary's cottage at 137 DeKoven St. kicked over a lantern, starting the blaze. Unusually brisk fall winds caused the fire to race out of control and, by 1:30 a.m., the entire downtown business district was in flames. By dawn, nearly 300 people were dead and more than 17,500 buildings had been destroyed.

In 1922, President Warren G. Harding established National Fire Prevention Week to honor the memories of the victims and drive home the importance of fire safety. Fire prevention should be practiced every day, not just one week of the year. By following safety procedures and recognizing potential hazards, you and your employees can prevent fires at your facility and help save lives. Become aware of any potential hazards that exist on your premises and take steps to correct them immediately.

What to Do in the Event of a Fire

Knowing what to do in the first few minutes when a fire breaks out is essential for minimizing property losses, preventing injuries and saving lives. In the event of a fire, call the fire department immediately, regardless of the size of the blaze. Never assume someone else will make the call. Many businesses have been destroyed by small fires that got out of control in the time it took fire department to arrive.

You should also activate the nearest fire-alarm pull station if one is available on your premises. A special note for indoor-storage owners: If you or your employees have any doubt about the size of a fire or your ability to contain a blaze, you should evacuate the premises immediately and close all doors and any windows behind you. If you encounter smoke, take an alternate exit or crawl underneath it, staying low to the floor where the air is cleanest.

In the event of a fire, fire extinguishers will almost certainly be your first line of defense. There are four basic types of fire extinguishers suitable for different situations. Type I is rated for use on small paper or wood fires; type II is rated for use on grease fires; type III is rated for use on electrical fires; and type IV is rated for use on all of the above. Although a type IV extinguisher costs a bit more than the others, it is preferred for the added protection it offers.

As a facility owner, you are responsible for preparing a fire-safety plan and training program; posting fire emergency-exit procedures for tenants; and conducting employee fire drills on a regular basis. As part of your operation's safety program, your employees should know their responsibilities in the event of a fire according to your fire-safety plan; the location of the two exits closest to their work area; the location of the nearest fire-alarm pull station (if available on your premises); and the phone number for the nearest fire department (calls dialed to 9-1-1 may be subject to unnecessary delays).

Reducing the Likelihood of Arson

Arson is one of the leading causes of commercial fires. In fact, fire-safety experts estimate that nearly one-quarter of all fires affecting businesses may be the work of arsonists, many of whom are vandals or burglars attempting to destroy any evidence of their break-in. Below are some commonsense guidelines you and your employees can follow to reduce the likelihood of arson at your facility:

Fighting Small Fires

The very first thing you or any employee should do in the event of a fire is call the fire department (or dial 9-1-1) and ensure everyone has evacuated your premises. Once that has been done, you may attempt to control a small fire with a fire extinguisher properly rated for the type of fire you are fighting. The most important concern when a fire breaks out is the safety of people on the premises. Keep the following three points in mind:

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