The summer holidays are nearly over, classrooms are being prepared, teachers are getting organised, and before you know it, the school gates will be busy again.

But before the first bell rings, there’s one area that should be firmly on every school’s back-to-school checklist: fire safety.

The summer break is often when schools carry out maintenance, refurbishment and room changes. Furniture gets moved, electrical equipment is installed, and spaces can be used differently when pupils and staff return.

So, is your school still as fire-safe as it was before the holidays?

Check your fire extinguishers.

Start with the basics.

Make sure fire extinguishers are still where they should be, are clearly visible and haven’t been blocked by new furniture, equipment or storage.

It’s also worth checking that they haven’t been damaged during any building or maintenance work and that servicing is up to date.

The right extinguisher in the right location can make a real difference in the early stages of a fire.

Make sure your fire alarm is ready.

Your fire alarm needs to be working when you need it most.

If your school has had electrical work, building work, or layout changes over the summer, make sure your fire alarm system has been checked and remains suitable for the premises.

Regular testing and professional servicing should already be part of your fire safety routine — the start of a new school year is a good time to make sure everything is in order.

Look at your escape routes.

A clear escape route is essential.

Walk around the school and look at the building from the perspective of someone trying to get out quickly. Are corridors clear? Are fire doors closing properly? Can emergency exits be opened and accessed easily? Are signs still visible?

Don't forget classrooms, staff areas, storage spaces, kitchens and any temporary areas created during the holidays.

Have things changed?

Perhaps you've had a classroom refurbishment, installed new equipment, changed how a room is used or welcomed new staff into the team.

Any significant changes should prompt a review of your fire risk assessment. It needs to reflect how your school is actually being used — not how it looked before the summer holidays.

Are you ready for the new term?

A few simple checks before pupils return can help identify problems before they become serious.

At The Firehouse Group, we work with schools and organisations across South Yorkshire and the UK to help keep their fire safety measures in place, from fire extinguishers and fire alarms to fire risk assessments and emergency lighting. Check our full list of fire safety services.

So, while you're getting everything else ready for the new school year, don't forget to put fire safety at the top of the list.