When it comes to fire extinguishers, “make sure you know the types, sizes and maintenance requirements of your extinguishers, as well as the basics of extinguisher operation.”

If a fire does break out at work, employees will need to react quickly.

Take it seriously.

Treat every alarm as a real fire emergency – don’t assume it’s a drill.

Call the fire department.

“Never wait to investigate the situation before notifying the fire department,”. “Any delay will allow a fire to grow and further endanger the building occupants and property.”

Be ready with information.

When calling 997, employees should be able to accurately describe the situation and provide the address of the business, as well as the closest cross street. Ensure employees know not to hang up until the 911 dispatcher tells them to do so.

Close doors as you leave.

Workers should close doors behind them as they evacuate, as this can help reduce the spread of smoke and fire throughout the building.

Don’t take the elevator.

Employees never should use an elevator during a fire, for three reasons:

1. Entrapment can occur because elevators often fail during emergencies.
2. Elevators quickly can become filled with smoke.
3.Elevators need to be available for arriving firefighters.

Have a designated meet-up spot.

Fires can cause chaos, so it’s important to have a designated meeting place where all workers can be accounted for. The location should be away from both the building and where the fire department will arrive.

Know what to do if you can’t get out

If workers are trapped in the building, they should create a “refuge” room The room should be sealed with wet cloths to stuff under doors and in cracks to protect against smoke. Employees should know not to break windows, and to stay low under any smoke. Use a phone or hang something in the window so emergency personnel will know you need help.