At the National Summit on Security in Washington, D.C., 90 percent of security professionals polled stated that they feel safer when they see fire extinguishers in public places, much of which is based on personal experience. Seventy-five (75) percent of security professionals had used a fire extinguisher to put out a fire.

However, many of those respondents believed additional fire extinguisher safety measures were needed: 70 percent of respondents were not confident that the fire extinguishers in their places of work undergo required 30-day inspections, and 80 percent would feel safer if those extinguishers were being electronically monitored, according to the first annual fire extinguisher survey released by MIJA Inc., Rockland, MA.

"These survey results demonstrate that people look to fire extinguishers as their first line of defense against fire," says Jack McSheffrey, co-founder, chief executive officer, and owner, MIJA Inc. "All the more reason why they want to be absolutely certain that extinguishers will be where they're supposed to be and in full working order, a certainty that continuous electronic monitoring can provide."

Respondents' doubts in the ability of physical inspections alone to ensure safety are justified. A 1999 report published by the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED) showed that less than 10 percent of mandatory monthly physical inspections of fire extinguishers are performed, and during annual inspections, three in four extinguishers were not in the proper location and one in four was depressurized and therefore rendered completely inoperable.

The need for easily accessible, fully charged fire extinguishers was clear to survey respondents: 90 percent agreed that fire extinguishers should be required in all nightclubs and restaurants, regardless of the size of the facility.

Additional significant findings from this survey include:

* Eighty-five (85) percent felt that all public buildings, including places of employment, should be required by law to have their fire extinguishers prominently displayed.

* Eighty (80) percent were aware of the location of the fire extinguishers in their office and/or home.

* Sixty-three (63) percent almost immediately notice where the nearest fire extinguishers are when checking into a hotel room.

Providing Peace of Mind

Are the fire
extinguishers in
your workplace
where they should
be and do they
work? A recent
survey of security
professionals
found that ...

30%   ... only thirty percent are confident that
      required 30-day inspections are taking place.

80%   ... eighty percent would feel safer if extinguishers
      were electronically monitored.

Source: MIJA, 10/03

Note: Table made from bar graph.

Location, location, location

A recent survey of security professionals found that ...

90%   ... ninety percent believe fire extinguishers should
      be required in all occupancies including, public
      buildings, restaurants, and nightclubs.

85%   ... eighty-five percent believe all occupancies including
      public buildings and places of employment, should
      have fire extinguishers prominently displayed.

Source: MIJA, 10/03

Note: Table made from bar graph.