Assessing the fire safety practices in private schools of Quezon city

This study assessed the implementation of fire safety practices in selected private schools in Quezon City, Philippines. Using a descriptive survey design, 197 teaching and non-teaching personnel from seven schools were randomly sampled from a population of 392. A validated questionnaire measured implementation across fire safety practices, disaster management structures, and equipment readiness using a 4-point scale. Results show that core practices are generally fully implemented (overall 𝑥̄ = 3.62), with highest ratings for easy-to-open doors and windows (𝑥̄ = 3.94), timely repair of defective electrical components (𝑥̄ = 3.86), the presence of fire escape plans, proper receptacles, and regular fire drills (all 𝑥̄ = 3.76). Disaster Management Committees are also fully implemented (overall 𝑥̄ = 3.66), informing personnel of plans and convening at least annually. In contrast, substantial equipment gaps persist: many schools lack fire blankets (73.60%), sand buckets (69.04%), sprinklers (60.91%), heat/smoke detectors (44.16%), and hoses/nozzles (43.65%). The findings indicate strong organizational and procedural compliance but insufficient physical protection systems, suggesting partial risk exposure despite adherence to RA 9514. Recommended actions include prioritizing active (alarms, detectors, sprinklers) and passive (egress, signage) protection upgrades; formal designation of fire safety officers; intensified electrical inspections; regular drills across the school year; and structural improvements (outward-swinging doors, dual exits in classrooms and laboratories, unobstructed egress). Strengthening equipment readiness will align practice with policy and enhance life safety and resilience in private schools.