How to Prepare Your Business for a Fire

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Being prepared for a business fire is an essential part of any disaster preparation plan. While a fie might seem unlikely, mistakes and unexpected things do happen. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best, and if you experience the worst, there are fire remediation solutions to get you back on your feet in no time. 

Fire Extinguishing Equipment 

For proper fire preparation, ensure you have enough fire extinguishers around the building and make sure they are updated. They should be stamped with a date, which should be less than a year old. The extinguishers must also be mounted correctly and without any obstructions around them. If your building has a hood system, it is necessary to have it inspected twice per year. If you have a sprinkler system, the sprinklers themselves should not have anything within 18 inches of them. Fire doors must also be clear and fully functioning. 

Employees

It's also important to talk about the possibilities of a business fire with your employees and make sure they are trained on what to do in potential emergency situations. Make sure they keep combustibles away from heat sources, properly use and store flammables, and know how to operate fire extinguishers and where they are located. It is not a bad idea to conduct fire drills occasionally, especially for larger businesses with many employees. 

Keep your building safe

To prevent fire damage, it is also important that other parts of the building are up to code and safe to operate, as well as clutter-free for employees to safely do their jobs. 

Electrical outlets should not have exposed wiring.
Extension cords should generally only be used as a temporary solution.
Electrical panels should have at least 36 inches of clearance.
Hallways should be clear of unnecessary trash or clutter.