LOCATION: > HOME > Fire Safety Information > Essential Fire Safety Information for Emergency Shelters

Essential Fire Safety Information for Emergency Shelters

Emergency Procedures

Appropriate emergency procedures should be established that provide an adequate response if a fire incident should occur in the shelter. These procedures should include the means to confine, control and extinguish the fire and evacuate the occupants.

Fire Watch

With the number of people housed in these shelters, it is essential that a fire watch be provided in all areas, 24 hours a day. Individuals assigned to fire watch must be familiar with fire safety practices, know how to use a portable fire extinguisher, know the emergency procedures for the shelter and how to contact the fire department. They should, where possible, be provided with suitable communications, such as a cellular phone or two-way radio.

Exits

The emergency shelter must have an adequate number of exits for the occupants. If the demand for shelter exceeds the safe occupant load, finding additional shelter space is a priority.

As mattresses, chairs and personal belongings are brought into the shelters, it is imperative the exits and access to the exits are not blocked. Check the exterior of the building to make sure the exit doors are not obstructed by ice, snow, vehicles or equipment.

Fire Alarm and Detection

Fire alarm systems should be kept operable, if possible. Additional battery-operated smoke alarms should be installed in areas that are now being used for sleeping. It is also a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors in these areas.

Portable Extinguishers

It is recommended that additional portable fire extinguishers be provided in the shelter, particularly in cooking, sleeping and equipment refueling areas. They should be checked to ensure they are operable. Staff and volunteers should know how to use them effectively.

Fire Separations

Doors in fire separations should not be blocked or wedged open.

Smoking Procedures

Smoking should be restricted to areas outside the building. If smoking is permitted inside, a specific room should be designated. All smoking areas should be equipped with large deep, non-combustible ashtrays and be closely monitored. "No smoking" must be strictly enforced in all sleeping areas.

Electrical Equipment

With the addition of temporary electrical power, care must be taken to avoid fire or other safety hazards.

Make sure all temporary electrical cables are properly secured, protected from damage and kept out of the way as much as possible. They must be large enough for the expected loads and checked regularly for damage.

Portable generators should be carefully placed to ensure that fumes do not enter the building. Fuel storage and refueling must be done safely. Under no circumstances should a generator or fuel be brought into the shelter.

Cooking

Good fire safety practices should be followed while cooking. If the cooking facilities are not equipped with proper self-extinguishing systems, deep fat frying should not be allowed. All cooking should be carried out in a designated area.

Portable propane cooking equipment and fuel must be kept outside.

Portable Heaters

Only portable space heaters designed for indoor residential use should be permitted.

The manufacturer's recommendations for operation must be followed, particularly for location and refueling.

Heaters must be kept at least 1M (3 feet) away from combustible materials, including mattresses, carpets and storage. Keep the heaters out of exit routes.