How to organize a fire safety demonstration

A fire safety demonstration needs more planning than a normal public event because every scenario combines heat, equipment and an audience. Start by confirming the date and venue, then build the program around a small number of controlled demonstrations. Put the safety plan, supervisors, first aid and audience information in place before you invite people. The final checks should cover extinguishers, protective equipment, power, weather and the route through the site.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Confirm date and location
2 people
2
Submit the event notification
3
Create demo program
2 people
4
Select fire scenarios
2 people
5
Develop safety plan
3 people
6
Appoint demonstration leader
7
Assign supervisors
2 people
8
Arrange first aid
9
Send invitations
2 people
10
Process registrations
2 people
11
Collect dietary requirements
12
Confirm venue booking
13
Order catering
14
Check fire extinguishers
2 people
15
Check fire blankets
16
Take inventory of PPE sizes
17
Check insurance
18
Create audience information
2 people
19
Share the route to the venue
20
Check the weather forecast
21
Do the shopping
2 people
22
Collect demonstration materials
3 people
23
Charge equipment
24
Check expiration dates
25
Inspect venue
3 people
26
Marking off the fire zone
3 people
27
Clear emergency exits
2 people
28
Set up demonstration tables
3 people
29
Set up crowd barriers
3 people
30
Place information signs
2 people
31
Set out firefighting equipment
3 people
32
Prepare protective equipment
2 people
33
Fill the water and sand pits
2 people
34
Set up catering
3 people
35
Test sound system
2 people
36
Set up fire scenarios
3 people
37
Give staff briefing
5 people

Event

38
Staff the registration table
2 people
39
Welcome visitors
3 people
40
Give safety instructions
2 people
41
Explaining fire classes
42
Demonstrating the fire blanket
2 people
43
Demonstrate flambé
3 people
44
Demonstrate the powder extinguisher
3 people
45
Demonstrate foam extinguisher
3 people
46
Demonstrate the CO2 extinguisher
3 people
47
Answer audience questions
2 people
48
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
49
Refill drinks
2 people
50
Serve snacks
2 people
51
Check the audience area
3 people
52
Empty trash bins
2 people
53
Wrap up the final demonstration
3 people
54
See visitors out
3 people

Aftercare

55
Extinguish the remaining fire completely
3 people
56
Secure fire extinguishing equipment
3 people
57
Allow materials to cool
2 people
58
Take down tables and fences
4 people
59
Pack equipment
2 people
60
Wash dishes
2 people
61
Clean the venue
4 people
62
Dispose of waste
2 people
63
Return materials
2 people
64
Return borrowed items
2 people
65
Mark used extinguishers
66
Record damage and incidents
2 people
67
Store leftover stock
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 100
Crowd barriersqty 20
Information desk
Party tentsqty 3

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 2
Portable speaker
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Rechargeable lampsqty 6
Megaphone
Spare batteriesqty 12

Fire safety

Powder fire extinguishersqty 4
Foam extinguishersqty 4
CO2 extinguishersqty 2
Fire blanketsqty 6
Fire hosesqty 2
Fire-resistant glovesqty 6
Fire-resistant apronsqty 4
Safety gogglesqty 8
Safety helmetsqty 6
Heat-resistant tongsqty 4
Metal demo traysqty 4
Fireproof underlaysqty 4
Metal waste binsqty 4
Water barrelsqty 2
Sand pitsqty 2
Catch basinsqty 4
Asbestos-resistant fire blanketsqty 4

Signage

Warning signsqty 10
No entry signsqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 6
Traffic conesqty 16
Name stickersqty 120

First aid

First aid kit
Burn kitqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Coffee potsqty 4

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Storage binsqty 10

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Submit the event notification and confirm the venue booking early enough to resolve questions about fire demonstrations, access and occupancy before invitations go out.
Choose the fire scenarios before ordering or collecting materials. For each scenario, record the equipment required, the person leading it, the exclusion area and the method for stopping and disposing of the fire.
Assign supervisors to the audience as well as to the demonstration area. Use crowd barriers and warning signs to keep people away from hot trays, hoses, extinguishers and waste bins.
Check every extinguisher, fire blanket and piece of protective equipment before the event, including expiry dates and available sizes. Do not leave the PPE size inventory or equipment charging until the morning itself.
Make a weather and communications plan at least 24 hours beforehand. Confirm whether tents, rechargeable lamps, microphones, speakers and spare batteries are needed, and send attendees the route and any last-minute instructions.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a fire safety demonstration?: Start at least 6 to 8 weeks before the event. This gives you time to confirm the venue, submit the event notification, arrange insurance and first aid, select scenarios, and process registrations.
How many fire scenarios should a demonstration include?: Plan 3 to 5 controlled scenarios for a session of about 60 to 90 minutes. Fewer, clearly explained demonstrations are safer and easier to supervise than a long program with rushed equipment changes.
When should I check the fire extinguishers and PPE?: Carry out a full equipment check 7 days before the demonstration, then repeat a visual check on the day. Verify expiry dates, extinguisher types, gloves, aprons, goggles, helmets and the correct PPE sizes.
What should I do if the weather is bad?: Check the forecast 24 hours before the event and again on the morning itself. Decide in advance whether tents, barriers, lighting and electrical equipment remain suitable, or whether the demonstration must be postponed.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.