Empowering Building Owners: NLSG celebrates Fire Prevention Week 2023 with Fort Erie Fire Department.
When it comes to fire safety, there's one truth that cannot be overstated: preparedness saves lives. This belief was at the core of a recent training session we had the privilege to conduct with members of the Fort Erie Fire Department.
Our focus: Educating building owners of residential properties on the vital requirements of “implementing” a fire safety plan, as mandated by the Ontario Fire Code.
The Importance of Building Owner Responsibility
Building owners are key players in ensuring the safety of their residents. Their role in implementing and maintaining fire safety plans is not just a legal obligation; it's a moral one. The Ontario Fire Code places significant emphasis on building owners to:
Develop Comprehensive Fire Safety Plans: These plans must outline procedures for prevention, evacuation, and communication in the event of a fire. The plans should be tailored to the specific needs of their residential building, and be approved by the local fire services.
Regularly Review and Update Plans: Fire safety plans should be living documents, evolving with the property and the changing needs of its residents - hence why all fire safety plans in Ontario are required to be reviewed and updated - as required - but at minimum every 12 months.
Provide Staff Training: Building owners are responsible for ensuring that all building Supervisory staff are not only familiar with the fire safety plan, but more importantly, are aware of their many responsibilities assigned to these front line staff members.
Educate the residents: Residents play vital role and need to be educated - as part of the team. Allowing occupants to understand their own roles and responsibilities under the fire safety plan - sets everyone up for success.
Continuously train and test building staff: This is the requirement typcially met by the requirement for all residential buildings to complete fire drills. Whether its annually; allowing both staff and residents to particpate, or for high rise buildings ; requiring staff being trained and / or tested evwery 3 months. Ongoing Training is key to an effective fire safety plan.
A Strong Foundation for Fire Safety
The training session, held by National Life Safety Group during Fire Prevention Week 2023 saw representatives from both Fire Prevention, and Suppression.
The Fort Erie Fire Department's commitment to educating and collaborating with building owners, is a significant step toward a safer community. Together, we reinforce the importance of having well-prepared building owners who understand the significance of their role in safeguarding lives and property.
On behalf of all of us at National Life Safety Group, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Fort Erie Fire Department for their dedication to fire safety, and allowing us to deliver the Fire Safety Plan Implementation Program. Their commitment to educating and empowering building owners is an investment in a safer and more resilient community. We look forward to future collaborations that further enhance the preparedness of residential buildings in our communities.
To learn more about National Life Safety Group’s education and professional development programs, kindly see HERE.