NCJ Number
144882
Journal
Keepers' Voice Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1993) Pages: 31-33
Date Published
1993
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Although jail fires are relatively common and fire safety issues are frequently ignored by correctional officers, New York City's Department of Corrections has developed a fire safety program for its major facilities.
Abstract
Most major municipalities place fire safety in a risk management program. A major concern of risk management programs is to identify risk areas and require better management to protect life and property and to prevent litigation. Risk control requires that a specific plan be developed to prevent or control losses. New York City's Department of Corrections has developed and implemented a risk control plan for fire safety in all major facilities. This plan involves a Fire Safety and Occupational Safety and Health Unit that watches over about 14,000 employees and 21,000 inmates in 16 major facilities, three hospital prison wards, four court facilities, and other operational areas. Fire safety standards have been devised, and additional standards are being formulated. The fire standards focus on the operation of a facility fire response team, fire exit drills, exit doors and access routes, fire emergency keys, fire evacuation equipment, emergency equipment, search and rescue techniques, and weekly fire safety inspections.