A fire emergency is devastating, leading to damaged property and even the loss of life if you aren’t well prepared. For that reason, you want to ensure that you have the best fire protection systems and equipment in your building to prepare for an unexpected moment. You also need to train your employees to ensure they know what to do in a fire emergency. You could have a well-equipped fire sprinkler system set up, but employees still need to know they should take the stairs versus an elevator during an excavation. Here are some telltale signs that your building can handle a fire emergency.
Can your building withstand a fire emergency?
When You Understand Fire Hazards
It matters that you know the most considerable fire risks for your industry. Each type of facility or business has different fire risk profiles. Knowing what kind of fire hazards and environmental conditions should be on your radar is best. You’ll be in the best position if you can confidently assess your risk.
If You Have a Documented Plan
Every business owner and manager needs a documented fire prevention, mitigation, and responsiveness strategy. Every commercial establishment should have official documents that detail how to handle fire emergencies.
If Your Building Has a Fire Alarm
One of the top fire readiness tactics is installing a fire and smoke alarm. These systems detect fire signs and respond appropriately to loud noises and bright lights. Your fire and smoke alarm should also include a manual option so that people can pull the alarm if it doesn’t trigger automatically. In that case, it’s also best to consider a repair.
If You Have Alternative Escape Routes Planned
If there is a fire in the central part of your building, you should have an alternative escape route mapped out and accessible. It’s best to post maps and guides all over the building and ensure that employees are familiar with them offhand.
If You Have Trained and Educated Employees
It’s not an option to skimp on training. Just as you should be, you should formally train and educate your employees on fire safety. Like you, they should also know the most considerable fire risks in your building and organization and how to prevent fires. It’s also best if they know how to use fire safety equipment and how to act accordingly when a fire is in progress.
If You Have a Fire Insurance Policy
Many property insurance policies cover fire damage. However, this isn’t always the case. Double-check that your property insurance covers fire damage. Regardless, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Therefore, it’s best to have a fire insurance policy in place.
If You Have Your Equipment Clean, Tested, and Maintained
You should never trust that your equipment is always going to be reliable. Even high-quality equipment experiences wear and tear. Ensure you regularly hire experts to test and maintain your alarms and fire detection systems. Your fire suppression systems should also have regular testing and maintenance checkups.
If You Conduct Drills
It’s best to conduct drills to ensure your employees know how to act. Try to run these annually. If you don’t feel prepared, you can count on Chesapeake Sprinkler to ensure that your building is up-to-code. Our experts take care of new installations and inspections and offer emergency services equipped with real-time agents to provide you with immediate assistance.
Contact Chesapeake Sprinkler Company Today!
Chesapeake Sprinkler Company is a leading fire sprinkler contractor in the region, which is now a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) company. As a full-service fire protection company, we offer design, fabrication, installation, testing, maintenance, and inspection of fire protection systems—everything you need from your fire suppression specialist.
For more information, please email or call our Odenton location at 410-674-7041, our Ashburn location at 703-729-5150, or for service/maintenance Chesapeake Protection Services at 410-674-7577. Feel free to keep in touch through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!