Introduction
Fire prevention specifically tackles extinguishing, controlling, and detecting flames to avoid loss of property or life. Public fire education planning ingrains safety curriculum protocols and procedures that reinforce appropriate behavior around fires (Seyedin et al., 2020). It occurs in five steps beginning with a community risk analysis, followed by forming partnerships with people in the society to create an effective response system. Third, an intervention strategy is formulated, often by combining multiple ones, such as education, engineering, and enforcement, to ensure efficacy. Fourth, the strategy is implemented followed finally by an evaluation process to determine viability by measuring its performance.
Discussion
According to the 2019 International Building Code, materials and features in buildings need to be structurally fire-resistant to safeguard against the spread of fire and smoke. Barriers, partitions, and horizontal assemblies are integral to building construction and are required by law ((ICC), 2019). Columns should be encased in fire-resistant material, and projections such as balconies should not exceed the stipulated fire separation distance between buildings. Occasionally, ducts go through fire-resistant walls and must have dampers in addition to creating hazardous exhaust ducts if necessary. Automatic sprinklers are not required; however, the code does not prevent building officials from incorporating one in the assembly (I.C.C., 2019). Exits should not be obstructed and should be marked to aid in an evacuation (“Environmental Health & Safety,” 2022). These codes differ depending on occupancy and building type, but the tenets of safety generally remain the same.
Orange Beach has had several fire violations and incidences in recent years. The fire division chief, Beau Gardner, notes 17 violations in the area (“Fire safety & inspections,” 2022). Researchers note that people tend to notify others during a fire, attempt to determine its location accurately, and ultimately vacate. Occasionally, the emotional response is heightened, resulting in panic, which may motivate seeking shelter or a withdrawal movement.
Financial loss is an economic consequence of fire non-compliance since supplies, raw materials, and building assemblies are lost in fires. Further costs are engineered by fines which are accountable to the city and the victims. Socially, fire deaths can cause stigma and stunt emotional growth in children. Guilt and depression from noncompliant behavior may ultimately cause suicides, ridding society of valuable working members.
Public education initiatives are vital in communicating required information relevant to large communities. Business owners and political leaders require an initiative that educates, sensitizes, and ensures accountability in every staff member or employee (Webb, 2019). Life should be the paramount goal, and informing this group on the importance of fire exits and using fire-resistant material is critical to maintaining it. One effective method to assess the education initiative is through written tests that feature questions on fire and life safety (Kahn, 2021). Alternatively, carrying out drills that improve response behavior in an emergency will ultimately create stronger organizations and communities.
A positive fire reaction emanates from education and practical preparation and improves the attitudes and behaviors of workers in case of a fire outbreak. Creating such a reaction significantly reduces panic in an emergency and the paralysis that accompanies it. Workers who react positively can help others in danger and successfully utilize safety equipment without fear to preserve life. Ultimately, individual attitudes and reaction times are faster when each employee is vested in projecting control and establishing clear communication to prevent further loss.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fire safety and prevention are useful tools in mitigating economic and social damage. Buildings are required to use compliant materials, assemblies, and fire-prevention strategies to protect their occupants. Whereas an emotional response is likely during an emergency outbreak, thorough preparation and education will improve the reaction of workers and individuals in the community.
References
I. C. C. (2019). 2018 International Building Code (IBC): ICC Digital Codes. 2018 International Building Code (IBC) | ICC Digital Codes. Web.
Seyedin, H., Dowlati, M., Moslehi, S., & Sakhaei, F. S. (2020). Health, safety, and education measures for fire in schools: A review article. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 9(1), 121. Web.
Environmental Health & Safety Emergency Action Plan. Emergency Action Plan | Fire Emergency Procedures | Amherst College. (2022). Web.
Fire safety & inspections. Fire Safety & Inspections | Port Orange, FL. (2022). Web.
Kahn, L. (2021). Successful public education campaigns-it’s not about what you spend, it’s about what you say. Forum Magazine. Web.
Webb, R. (2019). Fire risk management for organizations. Risk Management Software. Web.