According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were 1,240,000 fires reported in 2013 the United States, causing $11.5 billion in property damage.
We encourage you to use the following information to assist you in taking the necessary precautions to protect your business against fires.
Before a fire starts:
- Have an emergency fire plan in place, including a warning/communication system to alert employees of a fire, designated evacuation routes, periodic evacuation drills, extinguisher usage training, and prevention controls. Regularly review your plan to ensure it is still appropriate for your facility, staff, and operations.
- Inspect your facility for fire hazards. Conduct a walk-through inspection, or ask your local fire department to do so. Correct discovered hazards.
- Consider installing a building sprinkler system. If a sprinkler system is already in place, inspect and test it on a regular basis.
- Provide the appropriate number and type of fire extinguishers, and train employees how to use them. Provide periodic refresher training.
- Consider which operations or processes in your workplace may require special fire safeguards. Be sure proper controls are in place and employees are trained on safeguards.
- Establish housekeeping rules in your workplace, including frequent cleaning, prompt waste disposal and proper material handling.
- Enforce a "no smoking" policy. If smoking is allowed, restrict it to posted safe areas and provide receptacles for disposal.
- Establish a preventive maintenance schedule to keep equipment and operations running safely.
- Consider using infrared testing of equipment and electrical systems to detect potential problems.
- Identify and mark all utility shutoffs so electrical power, gas, or water can be turned off quickly by fire responders or personnel.
During a fire
- Immediately contact the fire department
- Follow your emergency fire plan and evacuate the building. Account for all employees, visitors, and customers.
- If the fire is small, allow trained employees to extinguish the fire. Follow the fire department's instructions upon arrival.
After a fire is extinguished
- Contact your insurance company
- Take steps to prevent additional loss
- Keep employees informed on repair and start-up plans
Safety Tip provided by Sentry Insurance, MTI’s official business insurance provider. To receive a free analysis of your current coverages, contact MTI’s key contact for Sentry Insurance, Eric Stiles at Eric.Stiles@sentry.com.