How to Protect your Commercial Business from Fire Damage

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Prevent a scene like this by following SERVPRO's tips to preparing for fire damage.

In the last blog, we discussed how to protect your commercial business from water damage. Certain steps were explained to make sure in the event of a flood from a storm, your property would suffer as little damage as possible. Just the small act of sealing your windows and doors can save hundreds in damage costs. Preparation for these natural disasters is essential in owning a property. Thinking ahead will save your money and your stress! 

Unfortunately, water damage isn't the only type of damage a property can be affected with. Fire damage is a possibility that must be considered and prepared for, as it is the most destructive and dangerous of the two. But no need to worry, this blog will provide you with some tips and strategies to prepare and prevent fire damage.

So, how do fires happen in the first place, especially in a commercial business setting? The most common causes of fires in commercial buildings according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPS) are from cooking equipment, heating and air conditioning, and electrical and lighting equipment. With this in mind, here’s what you can do to protect and prevent these things from starting a fire in your commercial property.

Routinely Check on Electrical Appliances and Equipment

Most fires, as aforementioned, start from appliances and equipment powered by electricity. This can happen from malfunctions due to old or rusted components/parts, unconfigured settings, or outside factors like human error and rodent/pest damage (chewed power or gas lines). Routine check up on equipment is vital in preventing fire damage to your property. Checking the wires and lines that power the appliances for any damage or holes, checking their settings to see if they are configured properly to prevent overheating, and thorough inspection of the equipment to know if any parts are wearing out and need to be replaced. This may seem like tedious work, but if done it will save you hundreds in potential damage costs. 

Installing Fire Sprinklers, Fire Extinguishers, and Emergency Exit Signs

This is a given, and in fact required for any commercial business with employees and clients under the roof to be responsible for. Fire sprinklers are connected to the smoke alarms and temperature sensors in the building to run when smoke or an excessive temperature rise is detected. Routine inspection of the system is strongly suggested as well, since like any system it is prone to malfunction and tampering. The control valves must be checked to make sure they’re open for the water to flow to each sprinkler, and a test drain can be performed to make sure the system works properly.

Fire extinguishers should be installed in an easily accessible place on every floor. One must not have to travel more than 75 feet to reach one, and they must be placed by exits so no one has to travel deeper into the building to retrieve a fire extinguisher. And even more importantly, the employees on each floor must be trained on how to use a fire extinguisher so it can be used correctly and efficiently. 

Every commercial property must have a set evacuation plan for when a natural disaster may occur. Emergency exit signs should be placed over the designated evacuation exits so in the event of a fire or any disaster, people aren't running wild confused as to where to go. The signs must also have self sustainable lighting, because it is likely in these situations that the power is shut off to the entire building.

By following these essential tips, (hopefully never) in the event of a fire, your property will be prepared to undergo as little damage as possible, and the building occupants will be safe and healthy. For any more questions you may have about fire damage, check out more of our SERVPRO blogs, or call us on our 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year service line at (310)320-2112. Happy damage preparing!