Practicing Fire Preparation in Your Business

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County is Here to Help with disaster strikes your business!

Smoke billowing out of windows, flames shooting into the air, firetrucks surrounding the building and pumping numerous gallons of water in….

These are things that no business owner or manager ever wants to experience.  Property fire can not only be extremely dangerous, but is often very costly, both in terms of damage sustained and the following loss of business incurred.  While, unfortunately, no way of completed eliminating the risk of fire has been invented, there are steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk and safeguard your business from extreme disaster when fire damage does strike.

1. THINK SAFETY FIRST! Having an evacuation plan in place for building occupants is extremely important to keeping everyone safe and healthy.  This plan should be posted throughout the building, notating the location of emergency exits, and periodic “fire drills” should be conducted to make sure everyone understands the plan.  Have a designated meeting space outside of the building so that all occupants can be accounted for.
2. Install, use, and test fire alarm systems. Depending on the size of the property, fire alarms may range from single mounted units in each room, to full building alarm systems equipped with flashing lights and sirens.  Make sure batteries are replaced at least twice a year in smoke detectors and have a licensed professional service any commercial grade fire alarm equipment to ensure proper working order.
3. Install, use, and test fire suppression equipment. Once again, depending on building size and purpose, fire suppression equipment may range from individual fire extinguishers to riser fed sprinklers, or chemical extinguisher systems.  Make sure fire extinguishers are in date and inspected by a licensed professional.  Sprinkler and chemical suppression equipment should be serviced regularly as well.  Make sure building occupants know the location of fire extinguishers in case of emergency.
4. In case fire damage does occur, have a plan in place for AFTERWARD. This may include selection of a preferred restoration vendor, such as SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County, and a defined set of protocol to follow, which can be documented and accessible though the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP).  The overwhelming majority of businesses who continue to stay in business after property disaster strikes had a “what if” plan in place.

Available 24/7/365 for emergency response, the SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia team is equipped and prepared to help your business if fire damages are suffered.  To learn more about our services or request assistance, please give us a call” 850-466-3089.