No business is immune to the possibility of a devastating fire, which can result in lost property and damaged documents. It is an unfortunate fact that more than 75 percent of businesses end up closing up shop within 3 years of experiencing a fire disaster. However, if a company takes steps to prepare for such a disaster, the loss doesn’t necessarily have to mean the end of the business. In order to prevent flames from shutting you down completely, here are some tips for safeguarding your business in the event of a fire:
- Identify the most significant fire hazards and determine how to eliminate or reduce them.
- Minimize flash points for a potential fire, such as trash pileups, cardboard paper stacks and flammable products.
- Check fire-detection devices and electrical equipment regularly, and maintain sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers.
- Identify escape routes and keep them clear of obstructions.
- Keep fire doors closed.
- Back up essential documents via a document scanning service.
Aside from expensive equipment such as computers or furniture, a company’s most valuable assets are usually found within its critical paper documents. Damaged documents and records, if unrecoverable, can be a huge financial blow to an organization – often resulting in closure. Fortunately, technology is on the side of businesses that are willing to plan ahead.
Document Scanning for Fire Damaged Documents
Document scanning can benefit any business by securing its paper assets in the event of a fire. By implementing a regular process for scanning important documents, organizations no longer need to worry about their files going up in flames – the documents will be easily retrievable in digital format. In addition to safeguarding essential information, document scanning offers several side benefits, such as freeing up office space by removing the need for heavy filing cabinets and speeding up the recovery process after a disaster.
If you haven’t yet looked into document scanning as part of your disaster recovery plan, contact us today to learn more about this business-saving technology.
[ Photo by: Seattle Municipal Archives, via CC License ]
