You must protect your business from fire threats and there are certain correct and essential ways to do it. Apart from investing in the right equipment, you will also have to train staff on fire prevention practices, eliminate potential threats, and develop procedures for dealing with such incidents. Commercial property insurance can help pay for the damage caused by fires. However, prevention is always a better solution.
You could prevent a fire from razing your business to the ground. At the very least, you could reduce the damage that these incidents cause. Here are some suggestions on safeguarding your staff, property, and assets from fires:
Train Employees in Fire Prevention
Consider your employees your partners in preventing fires. Although you can’t expect them to rush into a burning building to save company property from the flames, you can train them in fire safety procedures. Training programs could include proper storage and disposal of flammable materials, evacuation procedures, and basic first aid for injured people.
Invest in Safety Equipment
Investing in fire prevention and management equipment is necessary for any workplace. In most jurisdictions, fire alarms and fire extinguishers must be in the building. But you should also ensure they are functioning correctly and quickly accessible when needed. The chemicals in fire extinguishers lose their potency over time, so that they could be due for replacement. It is also advisable to install a sprinkler system to prevent fire from spreading.
Have your place of business inspected regularly
Your business might be subject to periodic inspection and assessment by a fire marshal or inspector. But you don’t have to wait for a scheduled review before assessing your company’s fire risk.
You can assign a qualified staff member to inspect the premises and fire safety equipment or hire an outside professional. The goal is to minimize fire hazards and prepare for when it does occur.
Eliminate Possible Fire Hazards
Identify possible fire hazards and take steps to eliminate them. But you should look beyond common risks and assess every possible factor that could start a fire or cause it to spread out of control quickly.
Flammable materials and electrical components are common culprits. But make sure also to inspect closed-off areas and even office equipment. You never know where a fire might begin.
Check Wiring Periodically
Frayed electrical wires are responsible for many fires at home and in the workplace. Make it a habit to check wires, extension cords, and outlets regularly to ensure that they are in safe working order. It is imperative if you plug many appliances into the same circuit. It places considerable strain on the system, increasing the chances of wires melting and fraying.
Implement Smoking Regulations Strictly
Public spaces and workplaces have smoking regulations for a reason. Errant cigarette butts and embers have caused countless fires throughout recorded history. So you have every reason to take all available precautions.
Suppose you allow smoking at your place of business and set up a designated smoking area outside. It should be as far as possible from the main building and any fire hazards. There should also be bins where cigarettes can be disposed of safely.
Conclusion
As you may have guessed, protecting your business from fires requires considerable time, effort, and resources.
Would you instead take measures to prevent these incidents from occurring? Or would you prefer insurance to cover your losses and hope you and your business can recover?
Follow the preventive measures outlined above, and you can significantly reduce the damage that fires can cause if you do not entirely spare your business.
About Rodrian Insurance
Rodrian Insurance specializes in giving you insurance solutions that perfectly match your business and personal life. We provide insurance options that offer excellent coverage while remaining within your budget, based on a thorough understanding and assessment of your needs, circumstances, and financial capability. Find out more about how Rodrian Insurance can fulfill your insurance needs. Call or text us at (262) 781-4750 or email us at info@rodrian.com.
