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Fire Protection and Security

These files were badly damaged in an office fire.

The goal of fire protection and security systems is to protect the building and its contents from damage and theft. Security and fire protection are closely related, as fire protection and security systems are often monitored by the same office or company, and security measures that discourage arson are crucial to fire prevention. Fire protection and security are both addressed further in Session 7: Disaster Planning.

Fire Prevention

The keys to preventing fire damage are elimination of fire hazards and early detection and suppression of any fire that does occur. Fire protection systems must be monitored 24 hours a day by an outside agency (e.g., an outside security company, the local fire department, or the institution's own security force) and inspected and maintained routinely to ensure that they will work properly when needed.

Most local fire departments will provide fire inspections and assist institutions in developing a fire safety program. Hazards such as poor electrical wiring and obstructed exits must be corrected. If the fire department is familiar with the building and collections in advance, there is a greater chance that fire-fighting strategies will take collection priorities into account. Frequent fire drills and an updated evacuation plan are also very important.

See the Preventing/Mitigating Disaster: Fire Damage section in Session 7 for a Fire Damage Prevention Checklist.