At Pam Golding, we understand that fire safety is not just a precaution—it is an essential aspect of effective property management. As a leading property management firm, we are committed to ensuring that the properties under our care adhere to the highest safety standards. Recently, as part of our ongoing safety initiatives, we conducted a comprehensive Fire Marshal and Fire Drill Training session at one of our managed properties, No. 4 on Bishops, home to Mint Siesta, AfricaWorx, on March 25th. This training aimed to equip property managers, tenants, and key personnel with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent, respond to, and manage fire-related emergencies.
The Reality of Fire Incidents in Zambia
Fire outbreaks remain a major concern in Zambia, with over 2,100 reported workplace fires annually, leading to property damage exceeding K100,000,000. Tragically, these fires also result in approximately 95 deaths each year. Electrical malfunctions are a leading cause, accounting for 18% of warehouse fires. Even more concerning is that 31% of these fires occur between 7 PM and 7 AM, when most buildings are unoccupied, leading to delayed responses and increased destruction.
Statistics also reveal that 52% of the buildings affected by fire either lack a fire alarm system and smoke detectors or, if installed, these systems are often faulty or non-responsive. This highlights the urgent need for property owners to prioritize fire prevention measures and ensure their safety systems are functional at all times.
Fire Drills: A Vital Component of Preparedness
Fire drills play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals within a building know how to respond effectively in case of an emergency. Some key aspects covered during our training included:
- Evacuation Procedures: Training participants on how to safely and efficiently evacuate a building in case of fire or other emergencies.
- Emergency Preparedness: Highlighting common human tendencies during emergencies, such as stopping to retrieve personal belongings, and reinforcing the importance of immediate evacuation.
- Panic Management: Teaching strategies to keep individuals calm and avoid chaotic evacuations, which can lead to injuries or obstructed exits.
- Assisting Vulnerable Individuals: Guiding and safely evacuating persons with disabilities and other vulnerable individuals.
- Identifying Structural Safety Gaps: Fire drills help expose potential safety risks, such as locked emergency exits, missing keys, and a lack of properly labeled fire assembly points.
How Safe Is Your Building?
As a property owner or tenant, it is crucial to assess your fire safety measures. Here are a few key questions to consider:
- Do you have trained fire marshals on-site who can lead an evacuation during an emergency?
- Are your fire exits well-marked, accessible, and free from obstructions?
- Does your property have a designated fire assembly point, and is it labeled?
- Is your building equipped with the necessary fire extinguishers and firefighting equipment?
- Are your fire extinguishers, alarms, and detectors regularly serviced and fully operational?
Pam Golding’s Commitment to Fire Safety
At Pam Golding, we go beyond just managing properties—we ensure that they remain safe, secure, and compliant with all fire safety regulations. As part of our property management services, we conduct fire risk assessments, organize fire safety training sessions, and ensure that all properties under our management have well-maintained safety systems in place.
We firmly believe that fire safety is a collective responsibility, and we encourage all property owners and tenants to be proactive in safeguarding their premises.
If you are looking for a professional property management company that prioritizes safety, look no further than Pam Golding. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you maintain a secure and well-managed property.
Your Safety, Our Priority – Pam Golding Property Management Services.
