How Can I Protect My Business From a Fire Disaster?
4/13/2022 (Permalink)
A commercial fire is one of the most devastating things a business owner can experience. Not only does it cause extensive loss of property, but it can also result in injuries to employees. If all of this isn't bad enough, fire damage can cause the business to shut down for an extended amount of time. It might be severe enough to put it out of commission forever due to the financial strain.
Unfortunately, tragedies sometimes can't be avoided, but a fire preparation plan can significantly reduce the chances of flames breaking out. Being prepared can also considerably decrease the loss by learning proper extinguishing methods. Whether your West Valley City, UT, workplace only consists of a couple of employees or thousands, disaster preparation can always add more peace of mind for your company's future.
4 Steps for Creating a Fire Safety Plan
1. Get Routine Inspections of Fire Alarm System
A working fire alarm system is essential for quickly notifying everyone involved if smoke or fire is detected in your building. People in the building and emergency services will be warned as soon as the alarm activates. A fire suppression system will also begin putting out the flames to minimize the damage until firefighters arrive. Therefore, it is vital to have your fire alarm system regularly inspected and maintained professionally.
2. Provide Emergency Procedures in Writing
Sometimes emergencies can't be avoided no matter what proactive steps you take to prevent them. It is critical to have your fire preparation details in writing and post them in multiple overt locations throughout the building. Everyone must have easy access to them daily and read the materials at least once.
The emergency plan should also depict all evacuation routes with clearly marked exits. Include other essential details, such as emergency services information and important phone numbers, including your preferred fire damage restoration company and other specialists.
3. Train Employees on Fire Prevention
One of the most successful ways of decreasing your fire risk is to train your employees on fire prevention and safety. Make rules for your employees about using space heaters and prohibit burning candles. Regularly inspect all areas of your building to look for potential fire hazards. Threats often include piles of papers or other flammable materials near heat sources.
Keeping all areas clear of clutter will decrease the chance of fire. Once you have completed an initial cleanup, call a fire safety professional to assess your building's fire risk. They can advise you on other safety efforts to take.
4. Don't Forget the Fire Extinguishers
Your fire extinguishers should be inspected regularly to ensure that there are enough of them in the correct locations, that they are installed correctly according to laws and regulations, and that they are in good working condition. Also, provide training for your employees to teach them to properly use a fire extinguisher. After all, an extinguisher is not helpful if it's not used correctly in an emergency.
As a business owner, it's your responsibility to assure the safety of your employees. This requires you to perform specific fire preparation safety measures. Keeping these details in mind and sharing them with others can protect your employees and overall business.