Fires can cause widespread devastation and are one of the biggest threats to any business. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are over 130,000 non-residential fires every year that cause over $3 billion in property damage.
The best way to protect your business from a fire is to analyze your risk exposures and train your workforce on how to act. Even if you believe that your business is prepared for a fire, it’s important to review your fire prevention plan in order to make sure it’s up to date.
Here are four steps you should take to protect your business from fires:
- Create an emergency evacuation plan. Your employees and customers should know how to leave your business at any time by locating a clearly marked, unobstructed emergency exit. You should also conduct an evacuation drill at least once every year to ensure that your employees know how to act.
- Follow all of your fire code requirements. Depending on your business’s size, industry and location, the fire code will require your business to take certain steps to prevent fires.
- Install and maintain fire suppression systems. Make sure that your workplace is outfitted with automatic fire sprinklers and portable fire extinguishers. You should also make sure that fire extinguishers aren’t used after they have expired and that your workforce is trained to operate them.
- Get in touch with local first responders. Establishing a relationship with your local fire department and providing them with your building’s floor plan will help ensure the fastest possible response time.
For more information on protecting your business from fires, contact us.
