Fire Safety is everyone's responsibility

First let me appologize for the longer than planned break in our postings.  I have been dealing with some personal and family health issues and it's kept me away from posting here for far too long.

I'm breaking format in a few ways today, the first being that this will just be a written post and not a podcast episode, the other will be that it links out to a story that I think is very important to consider by all of us in the meetings industry.  Back in August I did a podcast on Fire Marshals (Episode #10) and this relates back that information.  

Just a few days ago we had another fire tragedy that has left a still unconfimed number of fatalities, with numbers of around 34 killed being reported so far.  This horrible fire happened in an unliscenced venue where a music event was taking place.  So, while it may not seem directly related to the meetings industry, it has relevence and resonance by the fact that it was a gathering of people...exactly what we all do on a daily basis.

CNN today had a story today discussing these numerous trageties and I thought it was worth sharing:  www.cnn.com/2016/12/05/opinions/be-your-own-fire-marshal-barylick-opinion/index.html

Basically the message from the CNN piece is that we are all our own fire marshals and responsible for our own safety​.  For those who don't want to link over, this is what I feel is the most important message from the story:

"What does it mean to be your own fire marshal? It means that upon arriving at any venue, you must look carefully at the building. Does it look well maintained? Does the staff appear well trained? As you proceed to your seat, take notice of your route. Are there any pinch-points (areas where congestion is likely to occur) that would interfere with quick escape? 
Once seated, locate the nearest exit (in addition to the one you came in) and share its location with your friends. Agree beforehand that this is the exit you'll immediately head for in the event of any emergency or threat, be it a fire, an attack, or a natural disaster.
To ensure your safety and those of your friends, go with your gut. If a building feels wrong, or dangerous, leave. No show is worth your life."
 
All of us in the meetings industry must go a step further than just considering our personal safety.  We need to also assure the safety of all of the guests at our events.  No matter what your role at an event, you must be aware of potential hazzards and address them immediately with the appropriate people.

This horrible event in Oakland didn't happen in a ballroom or in a hotel, but we all know that there have been tragic fires in traditional venues in the past.  Please, work with your local fire marshals and other safety officials to assure that every gathering you are connected to is being held in a safe manner for the staff and the guests.  If we all are diligent and aware, maybe tragedies like this can be prevented from ever happening again.  

Please be safe and always speak up when you see something that is a potential hazzard.

Wishing you all a safe and joyus holiday season!
We'll be back with our regular podcasts again very soon!
JT