Fire Prevention and Safety Tips for Businesses

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

Your success shows through the hard work you put into increasing your business to keep the doors open. The unforeseen challenges of life keep you on your toes and remind you there are always going to be things out of your control. You can, however, protect yourself and your business from any unforeseen hazards like fires.An unexpected fire can cause huge financial liabilities for all size business owners. First of all, a fire usually can cause you to close up shop for an undetermined amount of time, which can prevent you from conducting business and making money. You can also find yourself being charged with a great deal of liability claims from employees and customers. Here are some tips to protect your business from fire damage:

Fire Extinguishers and Business Safety
One way to protect yourself, your employees, and your business from fire is to have proper fire extinguishers handy on the premises. Fire extinguishers can help you eliminate a small fire from spreading into a fire that is out of your control.

When you purchase fire extinguishers, you need to be sure to purchase the proper class extinguisher for each form of fire hazard. The following list will help you purchase the class of extinguisher that is right for your business:

Class A- Regular Combustibles
Class B- Flammable Liquids
Class C- Electrical Equipment
Class D- Combustible Metals

Once you buy all the necessary extinguishers, perform a training session with all employees on the proper use of the extinguisher and how to check if it is charged. Place them in a highly visible area for quick and easy access. The most common place for extinguishers are break rooms and kitchens.

Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms
The best protection from a fire is early detection. Smoke detectors provide the early warning you need to stop a fire in its tracks. Be sure to change the batteries every three months and test them every month. Place one smoke detector in every room and fire alarms on every floor. Like everything else in the world, smoke detectors have a life expectancy. Replace your smoke detectors every ten years. If you are unaware of the age of your detectors, replace them. The amount you spend on new detectors is nothing compared to the alternative.

Overhead Sprinklers Prevent Fire Damage
One important tool for putting out a fire is water. Overhead sprinklers can douse a fire as soon as they detect it. If you have equipment and paper that is sensitive to water, simply have them installed in the areas that are prone to fire outbreaks.

Your business is your livelihood. You do not want to loose it to a fire. Taking the proper precautions can save you a lot of time, effort and money in the long run. Use these tips to help you take preventive measures to protect your business.

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.