As a business owner or manager, you’re responsible for the safety of everyone who steps on your property. It’s not something you take lightly, but it’s also not something you have to bear alone. At AllFire Services, commercial fire protection is our business. But in addition to the fire extinguishers, restaurant hoods, and other fire suppression systems you use, there are also some very practical ways to keep your facility safe for employees and customers. One of the most critical is your fire evacuation plan. Although this is a very serious matter, the good news is that many parts of the plan are relatively simple to plan and execute. Here are three common sense tips for creating and maintaining a fire safety plan for your commercial or industrial facility.
- Make sure exits are easily identified. Fire evacuation signs and emergency lighting are crucial to helping people find their way out of a burning building. Periodically check the light bulbs to make sure they’re working.
- Check walkways and fire escapes. Hallways, walkways, and fire escapes should be open and easy to navigate at all times. Check to make sure furniture or boxes aren’t blocking doors or other exits.
- Educate your employees. No one wants to think about a fire at their workplace. But your employees are your best line of defense if a fire breaks out. If you serve the public, such as in a restaurant, make sure your waitstaff and hosts know how to evacuate guests from the building. If you work in an industrial facility, make sure your workers know where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them in an emergency.
Of course, many of these steps are mandated by your local fire marshal. But don’t wait for their routine inspection to make sure you’re in compliance. The safety of the people you serve depends on it.
If you need help developing a fire safety plan or want more information on custom commercial fire protection solutions, call AllFire Services. We serve clients within a 200-mile radius of our Rock Hill, SC office. 24/7 emergency service is available for areas of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.