One can conceive a situation where he/she is in a tall
building and, unexpectedly, the fire alarm rings. The loud shrill scream is a
signal for people to run and panic however deep inside you, it is that familiar
sound you have been trained for. The fire alarm is triggered, and everyone
dashes out while maintaining clear faces and swift yet stable gaits; the building
is evacuated in a few minutes. This is the power of regular fire drills—a
practice, which can determine between confusion and control.
Therefore, fire safety remains crucial in cities such as
Dubai characterized by towering buildings and working offices operating every
day. Contracting services from a fire
fighting company in Dubai is an important way in which businesses can
guarantee that they are prepared to tackle any emergency and also assure their
employees, that in the case of fire, the correct measures shall be taken within
a short period. Just like the hold of your hand isn’t just a handshake, fire
drills aren’t just a routine. Now, let us discuss some of the advantages of
performing fire drills regularly and why it is crucial for every organization.
Fire drills also have a bonus of creating confidence in the
employees especially when they are carried out frequently. If you do a certain
something over and over, you probably end up doing it unconsciously. The
regular drills familiarize all individuals with the procedures and the
necessity to remain composed, and this helps in avoiding panic during an actual
emergency. Hence, it is as important to know the escape routes as it is to know
where to gather and the sound of the alarm.
As earlier mentioned, when one is experiencing a fire
disaster, time is extremely important. The faster people beat it, the less they
are likely to get injured or killed in the process of evacuation. Fire drills
are conducted from time to time, as is evident herein, to ensure that any
delays in the evacuation process are noticed and the teams work towards
minimizing the time taken. As people continue to participate in these drills,
inclusive of the exercises carried out in this report, it progressively takes
less time to evacuate a building which is a very important aspect, especially
during emergencies.
While fire drills are people-oriented, they are also used to
check the availability and functionality of all safety equipment. This is
carried out during a drill where the fire alarm system, the emergency lighting,
and the exit signs are switched on to check if they are working adequately. This
way, in case of an emergency, the building is always prepared for that since if
there is something wrong, it can be corrected.
Communication is critical, especially during the occurrence
of fire emergencies. Communications may be rehearsed during fire drills, which
can help to identify potential problems with the plans. This could range from
making sure all the people in the building hear the alarm, and know where to
evacuate to, or the fire wardens being able to understand one another during
these exercises during the actual event.
Thus, the significance of the fire drill practice increases
dramatically when considering the available statistics. The research done by
the National Fire Protection Association shows that the facilities that hold
fire drills and have proper evacuation plans lose numerous employees to fire.
Companies that fail to provide their workers with adequate training on fire precautions
are likely to suffer from higher levels of casualties and accidents during the
disaster.
According to the NFPA, workplace fire drills offered
protection because such employees’ injury rates in fire-related incidents were
50 per cent less. This statistic alone shows the capabilities of the practice
of fire drills in preventing the loss of lives.
In 2018, a fire incidence occurred in a high-rise office
block in Dubai. Due to routine evacuation exercises carried out by the
management with assistance from a company that deals with fire fighting in
Dubai, the entire building was evacuated within the shortest time possible. The
employees had the correct evacuation plan, the fire wardens were able to relay
important information and the fire alarm system was fully operational. In this
case, there were no fatalities and the fire was extinguished promptly as a
result. This case study, therefore shows why it is necessary to be prepared and
also do the drills of fire evacuation frequently.
It is a well-known truth that almost everyone is afraid of
fire. It is an incident that nobody would wish to encounter; however, the truth
of the matter is that fires occur. The various fire drills assist the employees
to address and overcome their fear of fires. It is a way in which they become
in a position to know what to do in the event of an emergency as this helps in
reducing stress which can be as a result of not knowing what to do. Being
familiar with what has to be done will turn anxiety into confidence and that is
priceless, especially in a crisis.
When a company prioritizes regular fire drills, it sends a
powerful message to its employees: your safety matters. Such commitment to
safety helps promote the well-being of the employees and makes them feel
protected. It fosters togetherness where everyone is your neighbor, and in a
crisis, this cohesiveness is the ultimate survival tool.
Ensuring that specific fire drills are conducted frequently, enables the employees to be at the forefront of their safety. Rather than being overwhelmed by fire, they go around their understanding that they possess knowledge and training to defend not only themselves but also others. This empowerment is not restricted to fire safety but rather helps create a more confident and proactive workforce.
To ensure that fire drills are implemented effectively, many
business establishments collaborate with a professional fire fighting company.
Such companies have experience in the area of fire safety and they assist in
developing the right evacuation strategies, fire warden training, and also in
checking the state of all equipment. They can also give feedback after the
drills as a way of ensuring that the businesses are improving their fire safety
continuously.
Of course, the procedure is individual for every place;
therefore, fire drills should be unique for the given building and the people
working in it. For example, a passenger high-rise office building will have a
different evacuation plan compared to a single-storey construction, such as a
warehouse. With the help of fire safety specialists, organizations realize that
they can create fire drills corresponding to the specific conditions of their
industry.
Having concession means that fire drills must be performed
repeatedly, so it is preferred to hold them at least twice a year. Every
simulation must be followed by a process of evaluating the successes and
failures of the team or individual participants. This review process makes each
drill more precise than the previous drill, making the building more and more
prepared for any fire incident.
Fire drills are not just a mere legal provision but are
highly significant tools in the safety management process. Through these
drills, they illustrate that their employees know what to do, their equipment
is working, and the overall evacuation map is viable.
In a city like Dubai which comprises a large number of large
buildings and many offices, getting into partnership with a fire fighting
company in Dubai will be helpful to get the necessary expertise to avoid any
mishap. While involvement in fire drills encompasses compliance with local and
legal requirements, participative involvement in fire drills enhances
confidence, reduces panic and most importantly, promotes safety.
In other words, fire drills are similar to a rehearsal of a
play that one does not wish to be acted out. However, if the day arrives, then
one must be ready and well-rehearsed and it can go a long way. When organizing
fire drills, you are investing in the lives of everybody in your working
environment as you ensure that they understand what is expected of them during
a fire outbreak.
