Fire Escape: Is Your Business Prepared

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

You should have a fire extinguisher in every corridor of your Chardon, OH business

Fire Escape: Is Your Business Prepared

A business fire, or any fire for that matter, incites panic and fear. Proper fire preparation can reduce the chances of entrapment and ensure that all your employees or tenants escape the property intact and healthy. To ensure the safety of everyone, you should be making routine checks throughout your property.

1. Fire Extinguishers

You should have fire extinguishers in every corridor and within 75 feet of hazardous areas. All extinguishers should be inspected annually. Also, the units should be mounted 5 feet from the floor with no other elements within a 3-foot radius.

2. Suppression Systems

A business fire can be extinguished quickly if your fire suppression system is working correctly. You can perform routine maintenance, ensuring that the sprinkler heads are free of debris and are not leaking or broken. However, you should have the system checked annually by a professional.

3. Emergency Exits

All emergency exits should be unlocked and have alarms attached. Also, while some may find hallways a perfect place to store miscellaneous goods, these exits should remain clear. Any obstruction can slow down an exit and may even result in someone losing their life.

4. Exit Routes

Additionally, there should be clearly defined exit routes. You can create maps of the building, specifying exits, and mount them throughout the premises, but you should also have lit exit signs and other signage that make escape routes clear and defined.

If you need assistance with emergency planning, or if you are currently dealing with fire damage and loss, a disaster restoration specialist in the Chardon, OH, area may be able to help. These professionals often offer free property assessments to aid in your planning needs.

A business fire, as with all fires, is dangerous. However, in commercial property with multiple hallways and rooms, it is especially challenging to navigate and find your way to safety. Therefore, it is vital to plan and practice escapes as well as prepare your facility for the possibility of a disaster.