Fire Safety Learning Center

Before fireproofing, fire-resistant materials and fire sprinkler systems existed, the majority of buildings in Chicago had virtually no fire protection. Fires that burned down major parts of growing cities contributed to the need for regulated fire standards that would protect people and their structural property. One such fire was the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. After this fire killed 300 people, left 100,000 homeless and destroyed over 2,000 acres of land, Chicago was prompted to implement stricter codes for fire safety and for building standards. How, then, did a similar fire cause so much damage again just three years later? History...

  Summer is the time for fun and food in the sun, and the perfect way to celebrate is by gathering around the grill to cook some of your favorite dishes. It is important to practice fire safety when grilling. Grilling seems like a very routine act once it is warm outside - you get your charcoal or propane, prep your fire and your food, and make a delicious meal. You don’t think about the little things that could potentially be dangerous when it comes to grilling. This checklist of tips will help you to quickly remember the little things that...

The concept of “fire safety” may invoke distant memories of learning “stop, drop, and roll” in grade school.  As an adult it is important to expand your fire safety knowledge so that you can be cautious of fire hazards, know how to prevent fires and know what to do in case of a fire. Along with implementing these strategies for your home, it is just as important to practice fire safety at the workplace.  Here are a few ways that you can do so: Know the fire escape plan Your workplace is likely required by law to have a fire escape...

  Despite condominium and apartment managers’ best efforts to prevent and protect their buildings against fires, often times they still occur. Condominium and apartment fires are usually caused by faulty electrics, human error, and general negligence and are likely to occur throughout all times and seasons of a year. The NFPA reports that fire departments across the United States responded to an average of 358,300 home structure fires each year throughout 2010 – 2014. The NFPA also reports that individuals can expect an average of 5 fires to occur during their lifetime. Since the likelihood of being in a building fire...

The alarm is sounded. You smell smoke. This is not a drill. What do you do next? Most commercial and residential complexes have a proper evacuation plan in place in the event of a fire. These plans typically detail the designated fire exits and meeting places outside of the building. Some associations and companies in high-occupancy buildings periodically conduct fire drills. However, there are a few supplementary tips that you should keep in mind during the evacuation process: 1. Don't panic. The worst thing you can do is make irrational decisions based on fear. When an alarm is sounded, find your...