In terms of safety, what should be routinely checked before a flame performance?

Routine checks before a flame performance are crucial for ensuring the safety of both the audience and performers. The effectiveness of fire suppression systems is a key component of these safety measures. Fire suppression systems are designed to quickly extinguish flames and control fire spread in case of an emergency. Ensuring that these systems are functional means that there is a reliable means of mitigating any unintended fire hazards that may arise during the performance. This is a fundamental safety requirement to protect everyone involved and to comply with safety standards.

Other choices focus on aspects that, while relevant to the overall experience of the performance, do not directly impact safety in the same way. The availability of refreshments for the audience, the duration of the lighting effects, and the color of the flames produced do not address potential fire risks and are not critical components of fire safety planning. Therefore, checking fire suppression systems stands out as the most essential safety practice.