Protecting Your Bradenton Business Against Fire Damage

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Make sure your business is properly equipped for fire safety.

There are many responsibilities business owners have, one of them being safety factors to take into consideration regarding risks to your business, staff and visitors. One of those risks that needs some extra consideration is planning for and working toward preventing fires.

Leading Causes of Fires

According to research conducted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading causes of structure fires in office properties from 2007–2011 were (in order):

Cooking equipment, 29% of fires

Electrical distribution and lighting equipment, 12% of fires

Heating equipment, 11% of fires

Intentional, 10% of fires

Smoking materials, 9% of fires

Exposure, 4% of fires

Electronic, office or entertainment equipment, 3% of fires

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

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

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

How to Protect Your Business

Let’s take a look at steps you can take to protect your business from fire risk. Some of those steps are focusing on fire risk assessment, fire prevention and staff education. These topics will help you work to reduce the chance of a fire breaking out.

Your first step should be to assess the risk of fire hazards. In some areas, the local government may even offer a visit from a fire marshal to help identify these risks and provide guidance on your fire prevention plan.

Ensure that the proper amount of and right fire protection equipment is in place. This should include an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers for each floor your business occupies.

Finally, but most important, consider the safety of your employees and visitors. By creating and regularly reviewing your fire plan with your staff, you’ll be making sure everyone is aware of the proper procedure to follow in the event of a fire. Conduct fire drills at least once a year to keep this fire safety protocol fresh, and take time to review evacuation plans and where the first-aid kits are.

Despite best efforts with fire prevention and safety tips, the worst could always happen at your business. If a fire has damaged your business, SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch is available to help make it "Like it never even happened."
Call SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.