A structural fire in a place of business or commercial building can be devastating. Regardless of occupancy or the contents of the building, having a fire safety plan in place can prevent significant property loss and personal injuries. Your plan should outline the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency as well inform all of the building occupants of your commitment to protecting their safety. You shouldn’t learn your safety procedures when an emergency happens. You should be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Your Safety Plan
The extent of your safety plan depends on the nature of your operations and the size and scope of your building. However, the following elements should be included in your plan.
- Designate a supervisor or supervisory staff to take charge in an emergency situation.
- Work with local code offices to ensure fire protection measures are in compliance.
- Contract with certified individuals for testing fire sprinklers California businesses install.
- Conduct extensive and follow-up training for fire prevention methods and fire outbreaks.
- Clearly identify emergency exits and evacuation routes and maintain appropriate directional signs and notices.
- Establish a consistent schedule for conducting fire drills.
- Identify secondary fire safety measures in the event primary protection systems fail.
- Control fire hazards throughout the building with proper storage facilities and building maintenance.
- Assemble detailed instructions for operating emergency notification systems, including alarms, smoke control systems, announcement devices or emergency power supply systems.
- Devise an accountability system to track and account for all building occupants during and after an emergency evacuation.
Your Other Options
In addition to having a fire protection plan in place, carrying comprehensive liability insurance can help with the financial concerns of property damage and personal injury. Most fires occur unexpectedly, but being proactive in your defenses against loss and mitigating the risks of exposure can minimize the damage your building may experience.
