October is Fire Prevention Month, and fire departments across the country encourage citizens to review their fire safety plans. If you are a business owner, homeowner, or property owner, October is the perfect time to assure you are meeting your responsibilities when it comes to keeping the people in your buildings safe from injuries due to fire. Make it a priority this month to go through this checklist and make any necessary adaptations or adjustments to ensure safety.

Check those fire alarms
Most people change the batteries in their fire detectors twice each year, during time changes. October is Fire Prevention Month as well as home to the end of Daylight Savings Time, which gives you double the reason to make sure your smoke detectors are in working order. For homeowners, a quick check and battery replacement will do. However, business and other property owners need additional considerations.

If you are responsible for commercial or business property, use October as the chance to call in assistance to check smoke detectors, sprinklers, and all parts of your fire safety and prevention program. Call now to set your appointment and schedule another maintenance visit for six months from now.

Review Your Fire Plans
In your home, take time to sit with your family and review your fire evacuation plan. Remind children never to hide during a fire, and designate a spot outside as a meeting point if an evacuation due to fire is ever needed.

For business and commercial owners, use October as a chance to re-educate your staff or residents on fire safety protocol and evacuation plans. Form a committee to review policies and procedures, educate everyone during mandatory meetings, and work with your local fire department to run fire drills. Responding to an emergency like a fire requires practice in order for everyone to stay safe.

Get to Know Your Fire Department
October is the perfect time to make thank you cards for your local fire department or drop off a box of donuts from a favorite bakery. If you are a business or commercial property owner, connections with your fire department are even more critical. Update your Rolodex with correct contact information and review your fire plan with the community representative of your fire department.

Fire safety is important all year long, but a friendly reminder in October to review your fire prevention and safety protocols are always welcome. Even with the best prevention plans, fires can sometimes happen at home or at work. If you have been injured during a fire at work, you may be entitled to compensation. Give O’Brien Law a call to set up your free consultation. We can help you get the support you deserve.