3 Simple Tips to Help You Fireproof Your Business

Your business office, restaurant or factory is basically the flagship of almost everything you have worked for in life. You have your investments in them, expensive equipment, your files and most importantly, your employees. And because of that, it deserves every protection you can give it. But mind you, the protection that we are talking about is not just about protection from robbers or from natural disasters. You should also be thinking about protecting your workplace from an accident that can wipe it all off – fires.

If you think that blazing flames should be the least of your problems, then know this. Last 2007, the marshals of United Kingdom have responded to more than 800,000 alarms. Out of those incidents reported, the casualty count came up to almost 450. Given that, perhaps now you know that nobody should be exempted in keeping your home safe and protected.

So what are you exactly to do?

First: Determine the things that are easily combustible.

There are many hazards found in a regular office. Some of which are the piles of newspapers lying in the corner and the aerosol cans that you use to freshen the smell of your restaurant. As you recognize the hazards, the next thing that you should do is to keep them where they will not be reached by even a flick of flame. For example, if you do not have any use for those newspapers anymore, then you might as well donate them to someone who needs them. The aerosol cans should also be kept inside cabinets, away from heated surfaces and high temperature.

Second: Invest in equipment/ tools that can help fight fire and alarm your employees if there is a need to.

The popular tools used to put out flames in most offices are fire extinguishers. But note that even if the market provides you with a lot of those, picking the one that you need is not that easy because you have to select which extinguisher works best for your type of business.

For example, if you work in an office environment where you get to have a lot of paper lying around and computers working almost 24 hours a day, then you are better off getting CO2 Fire extinguishers that will not leave any residue that can in turn damage your office equipment. On the other hand, if you are someone who runs a restaurant, then you may want to invest in either a fire blanket or a wet chemical fire extinguisher that is effective in putting out flames caused by edible fat.

In terms of alarm, you can go for the cheaper smoke alarms that sets off a high pitched sound (and sometimes even water) if it detects high smoke density in the area. But if you want to get something more sophisticated, then you opt to buying a carbon monoxide detector that doubles as a smoke alarm as well.

Third: Educate your staff.

Remember, all your fire proofing will not work if your staff does not know how to operate an extinguisher. So invite somebody from your local fire station and have him/ her teach your staff the “know – what’s” and “know – how’s”.