6 Tips to Protect Your Business from Fire

A fire could be a catastrophe for your business. Smoke and heat can destroy your business assets and even take the lives of your workers.

You can’t eliminate the risk of fire to your business, but you can make it less likely. October is National Fire Safety Month, so it’s a great time to learn about fire prevention in the workplace and how to protect your property, employees and customers.

1. Check for Electrical Issues

Damaged or overloaded electrical outlets, cords and cables can be a fire hazard. Make sure you keep flammable materials away from electrical equipment, since an electrical spark could cause a fire.

2. Use Space Heaters Safely

In some businesses, workers in unheated or poorly heated buildings will need to use space heaters. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for where and how to position them. Be sure your employees know never to leave any portable heating devices unattended. 

3. Put Warning Systems and Extinguishers in Place

Make sure smoke alarms and business fire alarm systems are installed and in good working condition. If your business has sprinklers, have them tested and maintained regularly. 

How many fire extinguishers do you need for your business? That depends on the type of space you are in and the type of business you are operating. You can contact your local fire department for guidance.

Install fire extinguishers along normal travel paths, near exits, in kitchens and anyplace where employees use flammable materials. They should be from four inches to five feet off the ground.

4. Train Your Employees

Be sure employees know what to do if they spot a fire. They should call 911, tell coworkers and evacuate by taking the stairs, not the elevator. They should know where exits are, what the best escape routes are, where the extinguishers are located and how to use them.

If they can’t evacuate, they should close doors between them and the fire, seal gaps with jackets or sweaters and wait by the window.

5. Get Rid of Flammable Items 

Don’t keep anything that’s combustible around unnecessarily. Get rid of recyclable cardboard and paper, old rags, flammable chemicals you don’t need and other hazards.

6. Contact Your Fire Department

If you have any questions about properly protecting your business from fire, ask your local fire department personnel or marshal. It’s important to know what your local fire codes are and to make sure you’re complying with them. 

In many locations, your fire department will inspect your business periodically for any violations. You could be shut down if you’re not following the fire regulations for small businesses. 

Make Sure Your Business Is Protected

Even if you’ve taken every step you can to try to prevent a fire, you can’t reduce your risk to zero. If your business was damaged or destroyed in a fire, how would you recover? Talk to Farm Bureau to make sure you have the business insurance you need to protect you from the unexpected and give you peace of mind.