Between 2014 and 2018, fire departments across the United States responded to an average of 3,230 structure fires in schools each year, as reported by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These incidents resulted in civilian injuries, significant property loss, and even fatalities.
With arson identified as the leading cause and most fires occurring during school hours, administrators must implement proactive strategies that reduce fire risks and protect students and staff.
The following guidelines provide a structured approach to improving fire safety in educational institutions.
1. Develop a Comprehensive Safety Plan
A robust safety plan serves as the foundation for fire prevention and preparedness. Ensure your plan addresses all aspects of fire safety, with clear roles and responsibilities for stakeholders.
- Form a cross-functional safety team, including board members, facilities managers, safety directors, and local first responders.
- Incorporate input from staff with disabilities to identify overlooked hazards.
- Include evacuation procedures, emergency communication protocols, and clear accountability measures in the safety plan.
- Regularly review and update the plan to address new risks or changes in infrastructure.
2. Train Staff in Fire Safety Protocols
Proper training ensures staff can respond effectively during emergencies. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates fire safety training and staff preparedness.
- Provide training on evacuation routes, alarm operations, and sprinkler systems.
- Display up-to-date evacuation maps in every room with clear “you are here” indicators.
- Schedule frequent and unannounced fire drills, including scenarios that simulate special events with large audiences.
- Educate staff on assisting students with disabilities or special health needs.
- Offer hands-on fire extinguisher training for designated staff.
- Communicate promptly with all employees changes in fire safety procedures.
3. Engage Students, Parents, and the Community
Fire safety is a collective effort that benefits from the involvement of students, families, and local stakeholders.
- Conduct regular fire drills to instill calm, orderly evacuation habits in students.
- Encourage families to practice fire drills at home and regularly review escape plans.
- Partner with local community groups to report suspicious activity or potential vandalism near school properties.
4. Inspect and Maintain Fire Equipment
Efficient fire-safety equipment and its proper maintenance are key to minimizing risk. Ensure strict compliance with inspection schedules.
- Conduct routine checks on fire alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers, and exit signage.
- Ensure fire extinguishers are used only for fire-related emergencies.
- Maintain an 18-inch clearance below sprinkler heads to ensure effective operation.
- Post fire-reporting instructions throughout the school to guide staff and students.
5. Maintain Clear Means of Egress
Means of egress—pathways to safety—must always remain accessible and obstruction-free. Closely monitor this critical component of fire safety.
- Keep exit doors, windows, and stairwells clear of clutter, furniture, or equipment.
- Ensure outdoor landscaping does not block exits.
- Use NFPA-compliant classroom-door locking mechanisms to balance fire safety and security needs.
- Train staff to recognize the importance of unrestricted egress in emergencies.
6. Minimize Fire Hazards
Address common causes of school fires by managing risks associated with combustible materials, electrical equipment, and hazardous substances.
- Limit the use and storage of flammable materials in proper, designated areas.
- Prohibit hanging decorations from the ceiling and restrict wall coverings to 50% of the wall area in sprinkler-equipped buildings (20% in buildings without sprinklers).
- Store chemicals according to NFPA 45 standards, and keep flammable liquids away from corrosive substances.
- Avoid portable space heaters and non-approved electrical devices in classrooms.
- Ensure routine cleaning procedures for heat-producing and office equipment are followed.
- Train staff to identify fire safety hazards and reporting procedures.
Ensure Fire Safety Compliance with Raptor EmployeeSafe Suite, Powered by PublicSchoolWORKS
By implementing these six strategies, administrators can strengthen fire safety measures and foster safer environments for students and staff. Proactive planning, thorough training, and ongoing collaboration are the keys to mitigating fire risks in schools.
Learn more about how the Raptor EmployeeSafe Suite, powered by PublicSchoolWORKS, can help.
