Fire Prevention Tips

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

Keep the fire extinguisher handy

Fire Prevention Methods

Fires are often a major cause of business interruptions and building damage. While no business can be 100 percent fireproof, there are several steps you can take to prevent fires and minimize the effects should one occur. The following tips cover fire prevention methods that small businesses can adopt to make their workplaces safer.

Keep the Flammable Items Away

The best way to prevent fires is to keep flammable items away from heat sources. If a fire starts in your home, the following tips can help you extinguish it quickly:

• Never use candles in the home. A candle's waxy container can catch fire and spread the blaze. Instead of using candles, use battery-operated or electrically powered lights instead.
• Don't smoke in bed or leave cigarettes unattended while they burn out on their own. Cigarettes may start fires if they're left unattended and burn down too far before being noticed by someone nearby who can put them out quickly before they have time to spread any further than just one cigarette butt at a time! The same goes for other forms of tobacco products including cigars/cigarillos (little cigars) too... so no smoking indoors folks!
• Keep matches out of children's reach; store lighter fluid in locked cabinets, far away from appliances that could cause ignition; make sure all appliance cords are properly secured; secure electrical cords under rugs so they don't pose tripping hazards

Check Electronic Cords Regularly

Check the cords on your electronics regularly to watch out for signs of damage or fraying. Replace any damaged cords immediately. Do not use extension cords with your electronic devices, and never overload outlets with multiple devices plugged in at once.

Keep the Fire Extinguisher Handy

Check the expiration date. If your fire extinguisher is past its expiration date, replace it immediately. Check the pressure gauge. Before you use a fire extinguisher to put out a blaze, check that it still has enough pressure to do so by turning the valve on top of the nozzle and listening for escaping air (or feel for escaping air if your extinguisher does not have an audible leak). If no air comes out, do not use this extinguisher; buy a new one or borrow another from someone else. Test spray pattern and range by aiming at an area where nothing flammable can catch on fire (such as some dirt) from about 12 feet away. Do this test every six months to ensure that your extinguisher still works properly.

Consider a Sprinkler System

A well-maintained sprinkler system can help you contain a fire before it becomes a disaster. Sprinkler systems should be checked regularly, both for proper operation and to ensure that there is no damage that could lead to system failure.

Inform and Educate All Employees

Make sure that all your employees know how to prevent fires, how to use fire extinguishers, and how to evacuate in case of an emergency. Fire extinguishers are not a substitute for fire alarms; they should be used only in the event of an emergency. Ensure that all fire extinguishers are inspected annually by a certified technician and stored in a secure location where they cannot be tampered with or damaged. If a person encounters smoke while working on an electrical panel or other similar situation where there is no immediate danger from flames or sparks, do not try to put out the fire yourself! Call 911 immediately so professionals can respond quickly and safely assess the situation before risking injury.

Fire is a dangerous threat, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these tips and taking all the precautions you can, you can help keep your business safe from fire damage.

If your business does succumb to fire, give SERVPRO of Lake Conroe a call! We will help get your Houston business back up and running quickly.