Ways You Can Protect Your Business From Fire

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

Take some prevention steps to avoid further damage in your Pueblo, CO business.

When you own a business, you must take safety precautions for your business, employees, and visitors. One of the things you need to consider and spend a little extra time planning for and working toward is fire prevention.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that the leading causes of structure fires in office properties from 2007–2011 were (in order):

1. Cooking equipment
2. Electrical distribution and lighting equipment
3. Heating equipment
4. Intentional
5. Smoking materials
6. Exposure
7. Electronic, office, or entertainment equipment

Of those causes, intentional, exposure, and electrical distribution, and lighting equipment accounted for the most property damage with 20%, 18%, and 15% respectively.

In 2007, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that fires and explosions accounted for 3% of all workplace fatalities.

In studying more recent numbers, the NFPA estimates that during the period from 2007–2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 3,340 fires involving office properties per year. Those were responsible for an annual average of four deaths, 44 injuries, and $112 million in direct property damage.

You Can Protect Your Business

So what are some of the many steps you can take to protect your business? By focusing on fire risk assessment, fire prevention, and staff education, you will be working to reduce the chance of a fire breaking out.

Make an Assessment of Any Fire Hazard Risks in Your Facility.

In some locations, your local government may have a fire marshal who can visit your establishment to help identify these risks and provide guidance.

Right Fire Protection Equipment.

This includes an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers on each floor.

Fire Plan

Most importantly, consider your employees and visitors. Creating a plan and reviewing it with your staff will ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire. Conduct fire drills at least once a year to keep that safety protocol fresh in their minds, and take time to review evacuation plans and the location of first-aid kits.

Despite best efforts and safety tips, the worst could always happen at your business in Pueblo, CO. If a fire has damaged your business, SERVPRO is available to help make it "Like it never even happened."