11/2011 Fire Prevention, Life Safety, and Disaster Preparedness People Taking Care of People... Together we can do anything

11/2011 Objectives Describe common fire hazards in the LTC setting Describe what to do if a fire occurs List common electrical hazards in the LTC setting Discuss how to manage and correct identified hazards Demonstrate how to utilize a fire extinguisher Demonstrate correct fire exiting procedures Discuss your facility disaster preparedness plan Describe how to prepare and care for residents/patients before, during and after disaster Demonstrate where to locate facility disaster and emergency supplies

11/2011 Fire Basics

11/2011 Components Necessary… Heat +Air (oxygen) + Fuel = FIRE

11/2011 Source Heat source Oxygen source Fuel source

11/2011 Source Heat source: –Electric cords frayed –Matches, cigarettes –Candles, stoves –Heaters –Laundry dryers Oxygen source –Air –Oxygen enhanced Fuel source –Bed linens, curtains –Magazines, papers –Clothing, furniture

11/2011 Fire Hazards in the Workplace Smoking/matches in bed/confined, know the smoking policies in your facility. Electrical,all plugs and cords should be regularly inspected. Never put an electrical bed up against the wall. Linens can get trapped and ignite. Candles There should be no open flame in the facility Heaters Blocked exits -Check your halls! Untrained staff -Know your Role!

11/2011 Whose responsibility is fire safety?

11/2011 Charge Person/Supervisor Follow YOUR Emergency Action Plan Call the fire department at Give exact location of the fire and its extent. Call the Administrator Assist with residents if evacuation is necessary. Assign a staff member to meet the fire department in order to direct them to the fire. Assign a staff member to keep a roster of residents if evacuation is necessary. Assign a staff member to answer the telephone and relay messages and instructions.

11/2011 Fire Exit Procedure Below are suggested steps to follow when establishing and participating in fire drills or emergencies. Always follow YOUR Emergency Action Plan: The fire exit plan shall include everybody in the building. This includes all residents, visitors, guests, employees, and attendants. There are no excuses for not participating. Everyone must leave the building during a drill period. Diagram and post two routes to the outside from all rooms. Designate a meeting place outdoors which is away from the building and clear of entrances. The designated meeting place should be at least 50 feet from the building. Locate a method of calling 911 near the designated meeting place that does not involve re-entering the building. Establish a method to account for those known to be in the building at the time the alarm is sounded. In case of actual fire conditions, information regarding persons believed to be in the building should be made available to responding emergency crews. (Do not return inside. Only trained search and rescue personnel should re- enter an evacuated area.)

11/2011 Tips to Remember Predetermine two means of exiting from your normal workplace Learn the location of the nearest fire alarm pull station and portable fire extinguisher.

11/2011 What is the Life Safety Code?

11/2011 Currently used in every U.S. state and adopted statewide in 43 states, NFPA 101®:Life Safety Code® (NFPA 101), addresses minimum building design, construction, operation, and maintenance requirements necessary to protect building occupants from danger caused by fire, smoke, and toxic fumes. National Fire Prevention Association NFPA NFPA 101®: Life Safety Code®

11/2011 K-Tags are the Regs for Safety! K-Tags Life Safety Code based on the National Fire Prevention Association Written Plans for protections to include: Alarms and transmission to fire department Response to alarms Isolation of Fire Evacuation of immediate area Evacuation of smoke compartment Preparation of other floors for evacuation Extinguish fire Quarterly fire drills & documentation of such Smoking in rooms prohibited with oxygen, flammable gas etc No smoking by non-responsible residents except with direct supervision Ashtrays non-combustible materials Outside: metal containers with self-covering lids for ash tray removal where smoking is permitted And much, much more…

11/2011 Disaster Preparedness Be ready for the types of natural disasters that can occur in your area. Never assume that you will not be affected, know the weather and keep up to date with the news about what is happening in your area. Always assume….

11/2011 Assumptions to consider… A natural disaster may occur at any time If large enough, the facility may need outside help and resources (e.g, local fire department or rescue agencies) Each facility should have an emergency – disaster plan In the event of a large scale disaster, everyone will be needed to help

11/2011 …Before a Disaster Remain CALM…. Know your “safe” areas to move residents Collect blankets if time permits (warmth & protection from falling debris) Ensure all residents have identification bands on Keep flashlights/batteries close Close shades/curtain for high wind/rain Use “RED” plugs for oxygen etc (generator) or use portable tanks …

11/2011 …Before a Disaster Stay away from windows (breaking glass) If time, put immobile residents in w/c’s for quick evacuation if necessary –if in bed, use several blankets for protection Direct ambulatory residents to safe area first Post signs /post a sentry for DO NOT USE elevators Follow directions from Admin/Don/Supervisor Do not tie up land line telephone unnecessarily Keep cell phones on hand Know where supplies of water & food, blankets, are kept Be available to help

11/2011 During a Disaster… Remain calm Listen and follow directions Protect resident’s head/face/eyes – use blankets, newspaper, magazines etc Keep low to ground to avoid falling-avoid smoke if fire starts etc Do not allow residents/others to leave the safe area Don’t use elevator Stay away from unsecured wall mounting such as shelves, pictures, clocks etc

11/2011 After the Disaster… Remain Calm. Check each resident for needs including non- medical Alert fire, police local authorities as directed Review resident/employee attendance list Attend to injured if any – transport if necessary and possible Avoid electrical use until cleared. Keep continue to use the red plugs as long as generator is on. Contact families as soon as feasible Pass out water and warm/dry clothing if available

11/2011 Objectives Review! Can you… Describe common fire hazards in the LTC setting Describe what to do if a fire occurs List common electrical hazards in the LTC setting Discuss how to manage and correct identified hazards Demonstrate how to utilize a fire extinguisher Demonstrate correct fire exiting procedures Discuss your facility disaster preparedness plan Describe how to prepare and care for residents/patients before, during and after disaster Demonstrate where to locate facility disaster and emergency supplies

11/2011 References Safety & OSHA Compliance Administrative Manual Section E

11/2011 Congratulations! You have completed this session on Fire Prevention & Life Safety & Disaster Preparedness Thank you Questions?