Reminder: Fire Safety Concerns to Address in Offices

This message was emailed to staff on Feb. 24 and is being repeated here for your information. 

A recent visit by the Johnston Fire Department to our Johnston REC and Administration Center has prompted us to address some concerns the Department had. While these concerns were found on the Johnston campus, they are items that all staff should be aware of, no matter what office you work from. 

• Space heaters: Under no circumstances are space heaters to be used in any of our offices. Repeat: No space heaters! Space heaters pose a fire risk and children can burn themselves if they touch the coils. If you are currently using one, please remove it immediately. 
• Power strips: Power strips (surge protectors) should only be plugged directly into the wall; they should not be plugged into other power strips. Examples of devices that are prohibited from use with a power strip are clocks, lamps, personal grooming and care devices and battery chargers. The key idea to remember is the device that is being plugged into the surge protector is voltage sensitive and can be permanently damaged by either lightning or an electrical surge. 
• Extension cords: Extension cords/reels are meant for short-term use such as for an event or class. They are not meant to be a long-term power source in an office or work area. 
• Electrical panels: There should not be anything in front of electrical panels (breaker boxes). If you currently have any belongings in front of an electrical panel, please remove them. 
• Ceiling tiles: Ceiling tiles need to be properly in place. If you see any ceiling tiles in your office that are not properly secured, notify an Operations staff member who will make sure they are put back in place. 

The Johnston Fire Department will be back at our Johnston buildings in the next few weeks to ensure we have made these necessary changes. If you have any questions about fire safety or any of the items you are currently using in your office/work space, contact Dustin Gean, Operations Manager, at dgean@heartlandaea.org.