Fire Safety Measures for Commercial Properties

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Have your extinguishers inspected yearly.

A building fire can happen suddenly when you least expect it. Make sure your commercial property is prepared to respond to a fire emergency by installing reliable safety equipment.

Alarm Systems

Fire alarms are the first line of defense against fire-related casualties. They quickly alert everybody in the building to the emergency and allow them to escape to safety. Make sure your alarm system is up to code and maintained at least once per year.

Emergency Lights and Exit Signs

Even a familiar building can become difficult to navigate during an emergency, especially in dark and smokey conditions. Emergency lights and exit signs guide occupants towards fire exit doors and safely out of the building. Signs must be bright and free from obstruction. Emergency lighting units should have fully charged and reliable backup batteries. It is recommended that you conduct a 30-minute test of your emergency lights every month.

Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers allow occupants to put out small fires and prevent them from spreading. They should be placed no more than 75 feet apart and the type of fire extinguisher should match the potential hazards around it. Have your extinguishers inspected yearly by a trained inspector.

Fire Rated Doors

Fire-rated doors are made of materials that are designed to prevent the spread of fires. They can help to minimize damage in the event of a fire. Have your fire-rated doors inspected annually by a qualified inspector.

Sprinkler Systems

Many commercial buildings utilize sprinkler systems to contain and put out fires. Sprinkler systems react to heat, and it’s important to make sure they are in working order so that they deploy at the right time. Control valves should be checked monthly, and the entire system should be checked yearly by a trained professional.

Commercial building managers can prepare in advance for fire damage restoration with SERVPRO Ready plan. Learn more.