Loss control saves lives

From Aviva Canada,

In the early morning hours of August 3rd lightning struck the Residence Domain Boise, a senior citizen's retirement facility in Gatineau, Quebec, which was insured by Aviva. A fire was ignited in the residence and over 70 firefighters responded. All of the residents were evacuated safely, quickly and without serious injury.

This dangerous incident could have turned into a tragedy if Shawn Brown's loss control recommendations were not followed. Fortunately, one year prior to the fire, in August, 2005, Shawn Brown, Sr. Loss Control Representative, Ottawa office, surveyed and inspected the Residence Domain Boise and made these recommendations:

Although the fire alarm system is tested annually, as the present time, documented fire drills are not held. For improved risk management it is recommended that documented fire drills be held on a minimum of an annual basis with records of these drills maintained.

At the time of this visit, there were no smoke detectors provided in unit #247 A&B. Smoke detectors should be provided in each unit, at each floor level. Once installed the detectors should be tested on a minimum of an annual basis.