Preventing Office Fires

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Threats to your business can come in all sorts of forms, which is something that business owners know all too well. However, have you thought about the threats that a fire could pose? While often underestimated, fires can cause extreme amounts of damage and can even prevent reopening in some cases—but being prepared can go a long way toward ensuring this does not happen.

When you increase your workplace fire safety, you are protecting your business and the people who show up to work for you every day. By training everyone on fire safety practices such as evacuations and making sure your business stays up to code, you can prevent a lot of headaches later on.

Fire Safety Tips for Business Owners

Follow code guidelines and inspection schedules. Knowing the fire safety codes that apply to your business is the smartest first step toward fire safety. Efforts such as regular equipment inspections and fire exit maintenance can do wonders for the overall safety of your building.

Identify your specific risks. The risk of fire can vary greatly depending on the industry of your business and even based on geographic location, so being aware of these discrepancies and planning for them is key. Take extra precautions where necessary regarding equipment, chemicals and any other fire risks you may face.

Create (and practice) a fire evacuation plan. It is much easier to keep employees safe if they are prepared ahead of time on the fire evacuation protocol. Hosting regular drills will let everyone know exactly what to expect in the event of a real fire scenario, so they can make a safe and swift escape from the building.

Have regular fire safety seminars with staff. Also making time for fire safety discussions with staff will help alleviate any other fire risks that have been missed in the previous steps. Things like noting the location of fire extinguishers and going over safety with breakroom cooking equipment can go a long way in preventing a fire from happening at all.