As an entrepreneur, there are dozens of different things you need to think about when it comes to protecting your business. Some of these threats are digital; data security and the risk of data breaches, for example. Others are regarding the safety of your employees, such as ensuring you adhere to all current health and safety legislation. However, as important as it is to focus on these areas, there is a more elemental threat that all businesses face, and one that is in need of an extra degree of scrutiny: fire.
While fires are less common than they once were due to a dedicated effort to ensure safety, fire remains a risk factor that no entrepreneur can afford to overlook. If it has been a while since you last examined this subject, it’s well worth asking the following questions of your business premises…
Do you meet building codes for fire prevention and management?
If you have not done so recently, check with your local authority to ascertain the requirements for fire safety in your area.
Are your fire exits clear?
If there are any items, such as tables or box files, in the way of your fire exits, remove these as soon as possible to ensure employees can safely evacuate in the event of a fire.
Do you have a fire alarm system installed?
There’s very little preamble required for this point: fire alarm systems save lives, and all modern businesses need to ensure they have a reliable system installed.
- If you do not yet have a fire alarm system, contact the likes of Advanced Protection Systems, Inc. to discuss an installation as soon as possible.
- If you do have a fire alarm system installed, ask a professional to survey the equipment and ensure it is in working order. If your existing system is more than ten years old, it is well worth considering an upgrade.
Do you and your employees understand the different types of fire extinguishers?
Many of us think of fire extinguishers as a single item with a single purpose, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In a worst case scenario, using the wrong type of extinguisher on the wrong type of fire could actually exacerbate the situation. It’s therefore vitally important for you, and your staff, to understand the fire extinguishers you have on the premises and what type of fires they are able to combat.
Does your insurance cover fire damage?
In most cases, the answer to this question will be yes, but there is a caveat: if you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, you may find that your policy is somewhat limited in regards to fire protection. It’s well worth taking the time to look through your documentation and ensure you have adequate coverage to protect your premises in the event of a fire.
In conclusion
Fire may not seem like the biggest threat to modern businesses, but it is an important risk to consider when seeking to protect the safety of your premises and your employees. By asking the above questions, you should be able to judge your current state of preparedness, and make any amendments as may be required.