Inspection Suggestions
While everyone needs to know how to respond in an emergency, it is more important to take steps to prevent emergencies from occurring. We recommend a monthly Fire Safety Inspection including, but not limited to, the following items:
- Move flammable or combustible supplies off-site.
- If your Lease provides that chemicals or materials be stored on-site in quantities requiring MSDS sheets to be posted, they must be posted in central locations where they are visible to all. Flammable liquids should be kept in a flammable cabinet.
- Avoid using extension cords instead of permanent wiring. If used, extension cords need the three prong connections and no multiple outlets. Use breaker strips.
- All UL Listed authorized appliances and electrical cords should be in good repair.
- All electrical appliances for coffee, cooking or heating should be turned off every day before leaving the office.
- No smoking.
- Candles or open flames are not allowed in the building at any time.
- Potential fire hazards including, but not limited to, blocked stairwells, faulty fire protection equipment, leaks, or damaged wiring should be reported to the Management Office 202-408-7700 immediately.
- Property Management does not allow space heaters, as they are a fire hazard.
- All emergency contact lists, physically impaired employee lists and other critical information lists should be kept current.
- Evacuation procedures should be reviewed among Fire Wardens for appropriateness on a regular basis. Procedures should be communicated to occupants in your assigned area at least quarterly.
Fire Safety with Christmas Trees
Christmas trees, whether artificial or natural, pose a major fire hazard if the proper precautions are not taken. Below are guidelines provided by the Fire Department.
This list does not represent all the precautions and requirements, so before displaying any Christmas tree or ornament with lighting, please request the complete set of guidelines from the District of Columbia Fire Department.
- Property Management does not permit live (cut) Christmas trees in the building.
- All artificial trees should be UL approved or labeled as flame-retardant/resistive by manufacturer.
- Combustible decorations on trees must also be flame proofed.
- Lights on Christmas trees must be UL listed. Small, low temperature bulbs are recommended. No candles or open flames are allowed on, or in the vicinity of, the tree, including portable heating devices.
- All tree lights should be turned off nightly.
The following companies are familiar with materials used to flame-retard live Christmas trees:
Inspector R. Valentine
D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services
Medical Services Department
441 4th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20002
202-727-1614
Visitors
Please be aware that if visitors are present during an emergency, the Emergency Team needs to assist the visitor in evacuating the premises. If a visitor sign-in sheet is maintained at your front desk, we suggest someone be assigned to bring that information to the Fire Warden once outside after evacuation in order to help facilitate an accurate head-count.
Above all, everyone involved needs to keep their own safety in mind, and allow the Fire Department to take control.
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