Use Fire Prevention Week to Review Your Housekeeping and Storage Practices
This week is National Fire Prevention Week, an annual public outreach and awareness campaign by the National Fire Protection Association. Although mostly geared toward home owners and fire prevention in the home, home builders can use the week to review their jobsite fire safety practices.
NAHB has resources to help builders keep residential construction sites as fire-resistant as possible, beginning with housekeeping and basic tips:
- Keep the worksite clear of extraneous items and clean up spills immediately.
- Be aware of fuel and ignition sources on the jobsite, and ensure proper placement and storage.
- Ensure rooms have proper ventilation before spraying paint and other solvents.
- Ensure temporary heaters are being properly used.
- Keep fire extinguishers in easy reach, and make sure workers are trained to use them.
- Know and communicate your company’s fire protection plan.
For more on home building site fire safety, watch the NAHB Toolbox Talk below.
OSHA also has a resource page on fire safety that includes standards and solutions to potential fire hazards on work sites.Take this week as an opportunity to stop and think about fire safety on your jobsites. Is everyone aware of the escape plan? When was the last time fire extinguishers were checked? Is housekeeping a daily task? You’re probably already covered. But stop and think about it, and ask the questions to make sure.
For more information and to view other Video Toolbox Talks, please visit nahb.org/toolboxtalks. Each is available in English and Spanish versions.
Latest from NAHBNow
Oct 09, 2025
3 Ways to Utilize Construction Site Surroundings to Optimize DesignHome design isn’t just about color swatches and backsplashes. Architecturally, building professionals can look toward climate responsive design and ambient design, which both involve using the elements around a home to the client’s advantage.
Oct 09, 2025
Remodeling Market Sentiment Improves in Third QuarterNAHB released its NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the third quarter, posting a reading of 60, up one point compared to the previous quarter. With the reading of 60, the RMI remains solidly in positive territory above 50, but lower than it had been at any time from 2021 through 2024.
Latest Economic News
Oct 07, 2025
Minority-Owned Residential Building Firms Continue to RiseThe share of minority-owned new residential builders and remodelers has more than doubled since the Great Recession, with noticeable gains from 2017 to 2022. Nevertheless, when compared to the overall U.S. population, minority-owned firms continue to be underrepresented within both housing sectors.
Oct 06, 2025
Shorter Apartment Construction Time in 2024The average time needed to complete construction of a multifamily building after obtaining authorization edged down in 2024, according to the 2024 Survey of Construction (SOC) from the Census Bureau. On average, it took 19.6 months from permit to completion, about 0.3 months shorter than in 2023.
Oct 03, 2025
Supply-Side Cost Pressures Drove Housing as Inflation Leader in 2024Though the rate of inflation peaked in June 2022, consumer prices continued to increase throughout 2023 and 2024 as inflation drove further price growth, according to 2024 CPI review from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.