As a business owner, you have a responsibility to protect your business, business reputation, your employees, and customers. Minimizing the risk of a fire(s) is one of the most essential ways to do this. Experiencing a fire can be detrimental to the business operations, not to mention potential injuries to your staff and customers. Read on to learn some basic fire prevention guidelines to protect your business.
Ways to Minimize Fire Risk, but Not Limited to:
If a fire ensues on your property, you can expect to have costs associated with the physical repairs, but have you considered the expenses associated with a temporary halt of business operations while your business is being repaired or restored? What about your business reputation or the potential risks of injuries due to the fire?
Below are some tips to optimize financial security and safety for your staff/customers, while minimizing the fire risks at your business:
Assess Your Business for Potential Fire Risks
Inspect your business for fire hazards and address any issues you detect. According to the American Red Cross, you should examine the following possible problematic fire hazards and do the following:
- Make sure appliances and machinery have air to circulate around as to avoid the threat of overheating.
- Remove any combustible items away from furnaces and space heaters.
- Routinely inspect all equipment and machinery for maintenance and cleanliness. Address any issues that could create a fire.
- Ensure there is only one extension cord used per power outlet.
- Routinely inspect all machinery and appliance cords and replace any that are cracked or eroded.
Routinely Inspect Your Safety Equipment- This applies to items like fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and sprinklers. If a fire does happen, you need the safety equipment to be in good working order and ready to use immediately. Replace these items if you detect issues.
Communicate Safety Procedures with Employees
As the business owner, you should train your employees on fire safety procedures so that if a fire does ensue, your staff will know how to react/act quickly and appropriately. This can be done by implementing the following plan:
- Conduct regular training and fire drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
- Outline a well-defined and easily accessible emergency exit plan. This should accommodate those with disabilities (such as wheelchair access) and those who are only in the office part time.
- Depict evacuation routes with maps.
- Clarify how emergency warnings will be provided, whether it’s through voice message or a sound like a horn, whistle, lights flickering, or bell.
- Remind staff to keep stairways and fire escapes free of objects.
Preparation is Key for Fire Prevention of Your Alabama Business
Identifying fire risks at your business can minimize fire damage and optimize business productivity, revenue, reputation and safety among your staff and customers. If you have any questions or concerns about helping to identify those risks, call our offices today at Burkett & Associates. We are here for all your Alabama business insurance needs.
