6 Ways to Prepare for a Fire Emergency


Fighting fire with fire extinguishers

Fighting fire with fire extinguishers

The National Fire Protection Association reports an average of 3,340 fires in business offices every year. That amounts to about $112 million of property loss every single year.

While no one expects an emergency or disaster to happen, they inevitably do. Having a reliable fire emergency plan in place can prevent the loss of precious lives, property, and equipment.

An effective fire plan takes fire prevention techniques and fire safety measures into consideration.

Here are a few tips to help you prep your business and its employees for a fire emergency:

Encourage Prevention:

The first thing you should focus on when thinking about fire safety is preventing it from happening at all. Make sure you get your fire equipment and detection system regularly maintained to keep them in working condition.

Assess the different hidden risks your business may have of a fire breaking out and figure out different ways to eliminate them. Keep combustibles and flammable substances away from heaters, vents, and open flames.

Create an evacuation plan and set up fire drills to inform employees on how to act in case of an emergency.


Emergency exit sign

Emergency exit sign

Create An Evacuation Plan:

Having an effective evacuation plan in place can save lives. Designate primary and secondary exits and evacuation routes that are marked and accessible to all.

Make sure you communicate this plan to employees and hold regular fire drills to educate your workers.

Create specific meeting points to gather in after evacuation and consider employees with special needs when creating the plan for inclusion and effectiveness.

Make A List Of Emergency Contacts:

Keep a handy list of all emergency contact numbers you may need in an emergency to avoid having to scramble for them.

The list should include your local fire department, ambulances, hospitals, police, disaster relief organizations, and other useful information.

Make sure you keep a copy of this list off the premises too.


Fire extinguisher hooked on a wall

Fire extinguisher hooked on a wall

Keep An Emergency Kit:

An emergency kit should include first aid items, flashlights, a tool kit, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, bottled water and preserved food items.

This kit should be kept in a place that is accessible to all.

Save Your Business Records:

Don’t wait for a fire before you safeguard your critical business documents. Save them in a fire and heat resistant safe on site. Ensure a backup is kept off-site as well.

Keep Track Of Your Insurance Policy:

Your insurance agent should be able to explain your insurance policy to you more clearly. Arrange a meeting with your agent to review your insurance coverage, the deductibles, the insurance limitations, and what kind of coverage is included.

Since there are several insurance coverages available, it helps to discuss each of your strengths and limitations before choosing one for your business.

Once you get insurance, keep the documents and important names and contact numbers safe. This will help speed up the recovery process in the case of an emergency.

Prepare In Advance:

It helps to understand the different disasters your business is at risk for and can help you minimize damage. Get in touch with Facilities USA to find out more actions you can take to prepare for a fire emergency from a licensed fire protection specialist. Our fire protection services are tailored for your business to ensure maximum efficacy. Get in touch with us now at Inquiry@FacilitiesUSA.com.

 

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