It Takes Just a Few Hours to Protect Your Newtown Business From Fire Damage

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

Apartment complex fires can cause massive damage to multiple units.

As a business owner, you are aware of the multitude of building codes that must be strictly adhered to in order to protect your building from fire damage. Yet, despite all of the precautions, fires still can, and do, occur at commercial properties. In fact, according to research done by the National Fire Protection Agency, in 2015, there were 113,500 fires in non-residential structure fires, which resulted in 1,425 injuries, 80 fatalities, and $3.1 billion in damages.

Although our customers who own businesses in the New Fairfield area can’t eliminate all risk of a fire at their commercial property, there are some precautions that can be taken to help reduce the likelihood of extensive damage.

1. Eliminate the hazards: We’re talking maintaining your machinery and electrical systems in your building. Storing flammable and combustible materials properly. If you have tenants, provide clear guidelines that address the “Big 3” - smoking, cooking and candle burning - in their apartments.
2. Install and maintain current safety equipment: A small fire can turn into a big fire very quickly if it’s not quickly identified and then spreads. Well-maintained fire alarm and sprinkler systems can help to mitigate fire damage. Inspect them regularly to make sure they are up to date and functioning.
3. Implement fire emergency procedures: A fire alarm can only do so much. You need quick thinking and knowledgeable people on site who know what actions to take first. Train your employees on how to respond to a fire. This should include escape routes, tenant accountability measures, an emergency responder plan, and a safety point person. Contact us to set up an Emergency Ready Plan free of charge.

When you take a look at our action items above, we are talking about a minimal time and financial investment that can save your building - and lives - if you do have a fire.