Meet METRO’s Fire Wardens

In the world of workplace safety, there exists a group of unsung heroes at METRO – employees stepping up to play a crucial role in ensuring the welfare of their colleagues and visitors.

Meet METRO’s fire wardens. These dedicated volunteers work behind the scenes, playing an indispensable role before, during, and after fire drills.

They provide invaluable support to METRO's Safety and Facilities Maintenance teams responsible for comprehensive planning. This includes making sure the right number of fire wardens are on each floor, reviewing and updating mobility lists, coordinating visits from city inspectors, and helping schedule fire safety contractors.

We had the privilege of speaking with METRO Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Officer Victor Gonzales and other fire wardens to learn more.

What is a METRO Fire Warden, and What Do They Do?

Gonzales: A METRO Fire Warden is a designated individual responsible for fire safety within METRO facilities. Their primary mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees and visitors in the event of a fire emergency. Wardens proactively identify potential fire hazards, implement fire safety procedures, and conduct regular fire drills to prepare everyone for any situation. In the unfortunate event of a fire, they are trained to take charge, guide employees to safety, and liaise with emergency services.

Why are fire drills important?

Gonzales: Regular fire drills are a cornerstone of workplace safety, especially in high-rises like METRO’s administration building. Fire drills are conducted every six months and serve several critical purposes:

• Practice: Knowing what to do can help save lives and prevent injuries.
  
• Familiarity: Seeing evacuation routes and watching emergency procedures ahead of time can help you act quickly if necessary.
  
• Identification of Hazards: Issues found during drills can be immediately addressed.
  

How do you become a METRO Fire Warden?

Gonzales: Email the EHS Safety group at SafetyEHSDivision@ridemetro.org. It will guide you through the process of becoming certified.

Meet METRO’s Fire Wardens

METRO Chief Information Security Officer and Fire Warden Nick Jones is drawn to his role because he loves to help others. Jones says knowledge gained as a fire warden helps in his everyday life.

MPD Executive Assistant Terrie Belle Chester is enthusiastic about her role in enhancing workplace safety. She says being a fire warden offers valuable training that safeguards colleagues at work and helps you respond better in personal emergencies.

METROLift Executive Assistant Sandy Zimmermann says being a fire warden goes hand and hand with her position. “My top priority is to look out for my department and its employees, prioritizing their well-being and safety. I consider METRO my second family, and anything I can do to ensure everyone is kept safe will always be my priority.”