Four Great Fire Safety Tips for Your Business

Fire can be devastating to any business, so it is best to make sure that you are protected the right way.

Having a fire alarm system installed can help stop destruction and prevent the loss of life.  Here are four excellent tips to help ensure fire safety in your business.

1). Fire Suppression System

In most businesses, and especially restaurants, you should have a fire suppression system installed.  They are strategically placed around the office building or kitchen and are triggered when the temperature changes to certain degrees.

Fire suppression systems can also be manually turned on to release chemicals that extinguish fires.  Restaurants and offices should have the fire suppression systems installed professionally and tested regularly.

2). Fire Evacuation Plan

Every business needs to have a fire evacuation plan.  Make sure that all the employees are aware of the evacuation route to take because the perfect plan is useless if only one person knows it.  Some other key points to be covered in the fire evacuation plan are:

• Include the correct exits to use and the number of steps to get to them in case of reduced visibility.
• Every business needs at least two exits in case one is blocked.

Post the fire escape plan where everyone can see it and perform fire drills until your staff can do it with their eyes closed.

3). Company Policies

Along with the right fire evacuation plan and fire alarm system, fire prevention depends on the proper mindset.  Follow these tips for proper business fire safety:

• Give breathing room to computers to reduce the build-up of heat.
• Never bend or crush cords under furniture.
• Unplug appliances when not in use.
• Smokers should always smoke in designated areas.
• Report any fire hazards to maintenance immediately

4). Comply with all Fire Safety Codes

Learn what the fire safety codes are for your city and state.  The Life Safety Code 101 has specific provisions on exits, fire extinguishers, and more. For example the Life Safety Code says:

• At least two exits must be provided in all buildings.
• Exits must be clearly marked and labeled.
• Exits cannot be obstructed.

Using these Tips

Business security systems can deter thieves from breaking in and taking your valuables.  Having the correct fire alarm solution is great for preventing a fire in your business.  Following these four tips can help to ensure your business doesn’t have to experience any unneeded losses due to fire.

How To Avoid Holiday Fires

The holiday season is upon us and with it comes Christmas trees, menorahs and presents. But before you get too wrapped up in the holiday season, take a minute to think about holiday fire safety.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fires during the holidays claim the lives of more than 400 people and cause more than $900 million in damage. Common causes of holiday fires include:

• Christmas trees
• Holiday lights
• Candles
• Fireplaces

To help keep your family safe during the holiday season, we recommend the following fire safety tips.

Christmas Trees

• If you purchase an artificial Christmas tree, look for a fire resistant tree.
• If you purchase a real Christmas tree, be sure it is fresh and not dried out.
• Keep your Christmas tree away from fireplaces and radiators.
• Do not place lights with frayed wires on the Christmas tree.

Lights/Fireplace

• Never leave lights on when you leave your home or go to bed.
• Do not place electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become electrically charged and you can get shocked.
• Do not use nails or tacks to hang outdoor lighting. Use insulated staples.
• Use only three sets of lights for each extension chord.
• Avoid using candles. If you decide to use candles, do not leave them unattended.
• Never leave a fireplace unattended and do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace.

Most importantly, make sure your smoke detectors are properly working during the holiday season.

Also, always be sure your home security system is properly working to help alert authorities. If you’re a small business owner also be sure to make sure your fire alarm system is properly working. You can apply these tips to your business as well.

Following these tips will help keep your family and home safe during the holidays.