Understand the Traits of Effective Fire and Life Safety Directors
Reliability and Discipline
The Fire and Life Safety Director position is one that requires diligence and a disciplined approach to managing people and tasks. Are you someone who has the discipline to follow through on projects until they’re completed? Can you be counted on in a crisis, and manage to remain level-headed even in the most chaotic of situations? That reliability and discipline could mean the difference between life and death when fires or other emergencies occur.
Commitment to Protecting Others
The best safety directors have a deep commitment to protecting people and property. They want to be on the frontlines when trouble strikes, because they are driven to do all that they can to preserve life and keep people safe. If you share that commitment, this career may be ideal for you.
Organizational Skills
When disasters happen, organized responses get the best results. That’s why you don’t see disorganized firefighters or Fire and Life Safety Directors; they understand that organization is critical for dealing with chaotic situations. If you value an orderly response to chaos, then you have one of the key skills needed for the fire safety director job.
Strategic Thinking
Of course, all the organization in the world won’t matter if you don’t have a solid plan in place before emergencies occur. Part of the fire safety director’s job is to prepare strategies to deal with fire, man-made emergencies, natural disasters, and even medical situations. Can you think strategically and develop well-oiled plans for responding in a crisis?
Solid Communication Skills
As a Fire and Life Safety Director, you would be responsible for training other safety staff and building occupants to ensure that they understand your emergency response plans. You will need to conduct fire drills and other tests, direct the response if an emergency occurs, and communicate effectively with firefighters and other emergency responders. Solid communication skills are a must.
Command Presence
Finally, the best fire and life safety personnel all have command presence – that elusive quality that commands respect even in the most trying of times. Do people recognize your authority without a word being spoken? Do others look to you in times of trouble? If your very presence signals your authority, then you may have what it takes to be an effective Fire and Life Safety Director.
The ISS Fire Science Institute can provide the training you need to become a Fire and Life Safety Director, and help you realize your dream of protecting lives and property. To learn more, call International Security Services today – New York City’s dedicated security experts.
