While workplaces have become safer in recent years, fire risks still pose a significant threat. Watching your company go up in flames is devastating—especially when a simple mistake caused a roaring inferno. The National Fire Protection Association reports that about 3,340 fires occur in office properties each year—causing approximately $112 million in direct property damage.
Considering that 40% of businesses never reopen after a fire-related disaster, it’s important to safeguard your workplace from potential flames. The best way to eliminate fire damage is through both a strong business insurance policy and prevention—and these five tips can help.
- Tip One: Prep a Fire Exit Route
Available fire exits are vital to your workplace fire prevention plan. Sure, they may not prevent a fire directly—but they’ll assure employee, worker and consumer safety if a fire does break out. Make sure your fire exits are well-lit, and give your employees print-out emergency exit diagrams to keep them informed. If possible, conduct fire drills annually to make sure your staff knows where to go.
- Tip Two: Equip Effective Fire Containment Products
Consider smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to be a workplace must-have. Not only will they boost your office’s overall safety, but also they’re often required by law. Install these fire containment tools in the right areas. About one in four business property fires begin due to cooking equipment accidents. High-traffic electrical areas, meanwhile, account for about 12% of business fires. Don’t forget to find out if the building has a sprinkler system.
- Tip Three: Handle Electric Appliances Properly
Speaking of high-traffic electrical areas, it’s important to teach employees how to handle the workplace’s electric appliances. Electrical appliances are one of the biggest causes of fire accidents. Make sure employees know how to ground, insulate and unplug gadgets when needed.
- Tip Four: Regularly Clean Your Equipment
Faulty equipment can create massive fires if there’s a malfunction. As such, it’s important to make sure all equipment is in proper working order. Clean your business’s tools regularly, and teach employees how to safely use them.
- Tip Five: Reduce the Clutter
Try to keep your workplace as clean as possible. Piles of paper, boxes and other litter is very combustible—and a cluttered space can easily go up in flames. A single shred of paper encountering an electrical outlet, for instance, can spark flames.
Make sure your business insurance policy has enough protection against fire damage, too. Even if a workplace fire seems unlikely, it’s better to be prepared. You never know when one might strike.