It is National Fire Prevention Week. While much of fire safety focuses on tips for the home, it is also important to prevent fires at your business. Most business owners do not think about hazards they cannot control until it is too late. There are techniques offices can implement to prevent fires and get back on their feet when the unthinkable happens.
Office Fire Prevention
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Use several different outlets with surge protectors to prevent sparks from flying.
- Purchase fireproof file cabinets and safes. Place important documents and items in them so you do not lose them in a fire.
- Check the batteries in smoke alarms on a monthly basis, and replace the batteries every year.
- Replace empty fire extinguishers.
- Unplug non-essential machines, such as coffee pots and space heaters, on a nightly basis.
- Do not keep flammable materials in the building.
- Conduct emergency drills on a regular basis with office staff.
- Create an office emergency disaster plan so business continuity procedures are in place in the event of a fire.
Office Fire Recovery
After speaking to your insurance agent, contact a fire restoration specialist immediately after a fire. Disaster recovery services will help clean a building affected by smoke, fire, or water and check it for safety. Additionally, these professionals use document restoration techniques.
Continue conducting business at a preplanned remote location while your office is being restored.
[photo: Steve Snodgrass]
