TARRY HOUSE, INC.

 

Subject:  Fire Safety Policy                                   

 

Procedure Number:  H.S. 03

Site:  Tarry House and Respite

 

Issued By: Executive Director

Effective: 7/87

Approved By: The Board of Trustees

Revised: 9/98; 9/91; 10/11/00; 6/20/01

Reference Policy: H.S. 01

Reviewed: 9/95; 10/97; 12/19/02; 1/27/04; 7/19/05; 10/4/06; 8/8/08

 

Standards Reference:

CARF: Section 1.E.

ODMH: 5122-30-12

 

I.                   Purpose

 

To provide residents and staff with information about fire safety, including (1) what to do in case of fire, (2) what to do in a fire drill, and (3) how to prevent fires caused by cigarettes.

 

II.                Policy

 

It is the policy of Tarry House, Inc. to maintain a smoke alarm system and a fire sprinkler system, which will summon the Fire Department. Tarry House also conducts monthly drills to improve the chance of survival in the event of a fire, tornado or other severe weather emergencies and to be in compliance with the law. These monthly drills will take place on all three shifts. Tarry House, Inc. staff will review the Fire Safety Policy with each resident at the time of his/her admission. Staff will discuss any problems and concerns with the residents following drills or incidents.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Residents’ Responsibilities -

(1)     Learn the location of all the exits, especially the exit closest to your bed. Use the fire exits only in case of a fire or a drill because each door has an alarm, which will sound when it is opened.

(2)     Keep all doors closed especially the bedroom doors.

(3)     If you are upstairs and hear the fire alarm, feel the door to your room.  If the door is warm or you smell smoke, stay in the room.  Open the window or break it open with any object.  Remember that the Fire Department will be here quickly to get you out.

(4)     If the door of your room is not warm to the touch and you do not smell smoke, leave the room and the house as quickly as possible.  Take the nearest exit and do not stop to pick up possessions.

(5)     In order for Tarry House staff to make sure that everyone has made it to safety, we ask that everyone meet outside in front of the house.

(6)     Smoking in the building is against agency policy.  You must go outside to smoke.

(7)     To prevent fires outside the building, do not throw cigarette butts into the shrubbery or on the ground.

          Use the urns provided. Do not throw paper or other trash into these urns.

(8)     If cigarette butts and other litter become a problem, smokers will be asked to pick up the front and rear

          areas.

(9)         Do not tamper with the fire alarm system.

 

Staff’s Responsibilities-

Whenever the fire alarm sounds, Tarry House staff has the responsibility to notify the fire department and evacuate all residents, visitors and staff from the facility. All rooms (including bathrooms) are to be checked, and windows and doors closed. All staff, residents and visitors are to assemble in the front of the facility for a roll call. At the conclusion of the emergency or drill, the appropriate reports will be completed.

 

Whenever the fire alarm is activated, the Executive Director or his designee is to be notified as soon as resident and staff safety permits.

 

__________________________                                                        _____________________

Executive Director                                                                                Date