Fire safety refers to precautions that are taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a fire that may result in death, injury, or property damage, alert those in a structure to the presence of an uncontrolled fire in the event one occurs, better enable those threatened by a fire to survive in and evacuate from affected areas, or to reduce the damage caused by a fire. Fire safety measures include those that are planned during the construction of a building or implemented in structures that are already standing, and those that are taught to occupants of the building.

Threats to fire safety are referred to as fire hazards. A fire hazard may include a situation that increases the likelihood a fire may start or may impede escape in the event a fire occurs. This is a major area for concern for any business owner and an area which a business must safeguard itself from the problems which can follow as a result of poor health and safety management.

It does help to know the most obvious hazards in any given place which you may frequent. In greater detail, some of the most common fire hazards exposing major risks are:

• Electrical systems that are overloaded, resulting in hot wiring or connections, or failed components
• Combustible storage areas with insufficient protection
• Combustibles near equipment that generates heat, flame, or sparks
• Candles - make sure you do not leave lit candles unattended
• Smoking (Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, lighters, etc.)
• Equipment that generates heat and utilizes combustible materials
• Flammable liquids
• Fireplace chimneys not properly or regularly cleaned
• Cooking appliances - stoves, ovens
• Heating appliances - wood burning stoves, furnaces, boilers, portable heaters
• Electrical wiring in poor condition
• Batteries - make sure you are aware of the commonly present chemicals
• Personal ignition sources - matches, lighters
• Electronic and electrical equipment
• Exterior cooking equipment - BBQ. Gas barbecues are by far the most dangerous and need the most attention to manage.
• Campfires - it is best to keep campfires small, manageable and controlled

Fire safety is often a component of building safety. Those who inspect buildings for violations of the Fire Code and go into schools to educate children on Fire Safety topics are fire department members known as fire prevention officers. They will work in the best interests of any inhabitants to make sure members of staff and visitors are safe from the risks which can follow as a result of a fire taking place.