Planning recovery from a major fire

Proper planning supported by staff training can mean that the effects of a major fire are minimised and the school is brought back to normal as quickly as possible. The costs of disaster planning are low, but the benefits can be incalculable.

The following points are worth considering:

A fire might affect parts of the structure containing asbestos, chemicals in laboratories, gas cylinders and other flammable substances. The location of any potential hazards should be noted on the fire plans and these plans should be made available to the emergency services.
If the building, or parts of it, needs to be made safe, who will carry out this work, and who will coordinate it?
A major fire will disable alarm systems and affect the physical integrity of the buildings. The school site should be made secure immediately after a fire. Not only portable equipment, but also items such as light fittings, radiators and pipework are at risk.
If salvage work is started promptly, much material and equipment can be brought back into full operational order, saving both the cost of replacement and waiting time.
Who will inform the insurance company, liaise with the loss adjuster and agree the insurance claim?
If classrooms have to be taken out of use, will it be necessary to find space in another school or provide temporary accommodation? If arrangements have been made beforehand, other schools may be able to help out.
If the school is to be closed immediately after a large fire, how will this information be communicated to pupils and their parents?
If the kitchens are taken out of use, what arrangements can be made to provide meals?
If classrooms in another school are used, will children require transport? How quickly can this be set up and who will pay?
Water and power supplies will need to be checked. Until the telephone lines are restored it might be necessary to consider using mobile phones.
Are records held on computer being backed up at the end of each working day, or at least weekly? Are back-up copies held in a safe location, outside the school?
A list of emergency contacts should be made and one copy should be kept by a member of staff off-site.

Source: Fire Safety: Managing School Facilities Guide 6, DfES, 2000.

Accidents Fire Fire-safety management Planning recovery from a major fire Flooding Terrorism Security and personal safety Medical conditions Missing persons	Planning recovery from a major fire Proper planning supported by staff training can mean that the effects of a major fire are minimised and the school is brought back to normal as quickly as possible. The costs of disaster planning are low, but the benefits can be incalculable. The following points are worth considering: A fire might affect parts of the structure containing asbestos, chemicals in laboratories, gas cylinders and other flammable substances. The location of any potential hazards should be noted on the fire plans and these plans should be made available to the emergency services. If the building, or parts of it, needs to be made safe, who will carry out this work, and who will coordinate it? A major fire will disable alarm systems and affect the physical integrity of the buildings. The school site should be made secure immediately after a fire. Not only portable equipment, but also items such as light fittings, radiators and pipework are at risk. If salvage work is started promptly, much material and equipment can be brought back into full operational order, saving both the cost of replacement and waiting time. Who will inform the insurance company, liaise with the loss adjuster and agree the insurance claim? If classrooms have to be taken out of use, will it be necessary to find space in another school or provide temporary accommodation? If arrangements have been made beforehand, other schools may be able to help out. If the school is to be closed immediately after a large fire, how will this information be communicated to pupils and their parents? If the kitchens are taken out of use, what arrangements can be made to provide meals? If classrooms in another school are used, will children require transport? How quickly can this be set up and who will pay? Water and power supplies will need to be checked. Until the telephone lines are restored it might be necessary to consider using mobile phones. Are records held on computer being backed up at the end of each working day, or at least weekly? Are back-up copies held in a safe location, outside the school? A list of emergency contacts should be made and one copy should be kept by a member of staff off-site. Source: Fire Safety: Managing School Facilities Guide 6, DfES, 2000.	Fire precautions School Buildings and Design Unit Online arson risk assessment UK Fire Service Arson Prevention Bureau
The advice contained on this site should not be taken as an authoritative interpretation of the law. That is a matter for the courts.