The 5 things that all great fire wardens do
In a fire emergency situation, your building’s safety will rely on having well-trained and competent fire wardens. Here’s how to spot a good one.
Fire wardens play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of everyone in the building in the event of a fire. They are responsible for identifying potential fire hazards, implementing fire safety procedures, and evacuating people safely in the event of an emergency. People often ask whether there’s a way to spot a good fire warden from an average one. To help answer this, we’ve outlined five of the key attributes that all great fire wardens tend to have:
1. They remain alert and vigilant
One of the ways you can tell apart a great fire warden from an average one is by assessing their alertness to danger. It’s the job of a fire warden to identify potential fire hazards – things like overloaded electrical sockets, open flames, and combustible materials – well before a fire actually presents itself.
A good fire warden will also be vigilant in monitoring the building’s fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and sprinklers. They’ll regularly check that these systems are functioning correctly and report any faults or malfunctions immediately. The mark of a good fire warden is to prevent fire danger from happening in the first place, which is why you’ll see them always taking a proactive, as opposed to reactive, approach.
2. They have a thorough understanding of fire safety procedures
Another thing we notice is common among top tier fire wardens is having a thorough understanding of fire safety procedures and protocols. This includes understanding the building’s Emergency Evacuation Plan, its Evacuation Diagrams, the location of fire exits and assembly points, and understanding how to operate fire safety equipment. Fire wardens should also be trained in how to communicate effectively during an emergency. They should know how to raise the alarm, how to give clear instructions to others, and how to contact the emergency services.
3. They stay calm and composed during emergencies
In the event of a fire, it is crucial that fire wardens remain calm and composed – and this is not always an easy feat. Panic can cause confusion and chaos, making it difficult to evacuate people safely. Great fire wardens are trained to remain calm under pressure and to think logically and quickly. They can assess the situation quickly, make decisions based on the information available, and take decisive action to protect people and property. This makes it unlikely for you to see a good fire warden responding out of panic and fear.
4. They regularly conduct fire drills
Regular fire drills are an essential part of fire safety planning. A fire warden is the person responsible for managing and conducting fire drills in the building. This includes ensuring that all occupants are aware of the drill and know what to do in the event of a fire. During the drill, a great fire warden will take responsibility for monitoring and assessing the evacuation process, identifying any potential problems, and making recommendations for improvement afterwards. They’ll then implement these recommendations, ensuring that their fire safety processes become stronger and more efficient with time.
5. They ensure that fire safety measures are always up to date
Fire safety measures are not set in stone. They should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that they are still relevant and effective. Great fire wardens will take responsibility for ensuring that fire safety measures are up to date and that any necessary changes are made promptly. This includes conducting regular risk assessments, reviewing the emergency evacuation plan, and ensuring that all fire safety equipment is serviced and maintained regularly. A great fire warden will never view fire safety as a “set and forget” operation, but one that takes time, energy and constant effort to keep up to date.
Further resources
- Do I really need a fire action plan?
- How can having an emergency plan save lives?
- Why’s it so important to train my staff in emergencies?
- A guide to evacuation planning for Australian Standards
If you’re the fire warden at your institution, then you’ve got an important task on your hands: keeping everyone in the building safe. Take it from us, this is no light task. As experts in safety and emergency evacuation, we can help you maximise your fire safety practices and help keep those in your facility out of harm’s way. Want to create a comprehensive fire safety plan for your building? Get in touch today.
Not sure your emergency evacuation plan is up to scratch? Fire Block Plans is here to help you and your team. Our highly-qualified experts will help find a suitable emergency evacuation plan, no matter how unique your requirements may be. Contact us today for more information.