It’s October, which means we’re celebrating National Fire Prevention Month, and this year marks its 100th anniversary! Even though National Fire Prevention Month is only once a year, fire safety should be practiced daily. When considering fire safety, you should look at all aspects, such as preventing and knowing what to do should a fire occur. To help make this process easier, we put together this comprehensive checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything!
Fire Prevention Checklist
There are various aspects to pursuing the best fire safety plan. Here are some factors to consider on the fire prevention checklist:
- Evacuation Plan
Your business should have a concrete evacuation plan in place should a fire occur. It’s not only essential to have this plan in place; all employees must know how to evacuate the building safely in case of a fire. - Nearest Exit
Another point on the fire prevention checklist is knowing where the closest emergency exits are throughout the building. Your team members should know how to evacuate the building and, more specifically, where to go. The emergency exits and fire doors should be outlined on the evacuation plan map, and all employees should know where these exits are located. - Emergency Lights
If your building is filled with smoke and the lights go out, it’s crucial that you have emergency lights strategically placed throughout the property. These lights will go on during a fire emergency and help occupants safely evacuate the building. - Fire/Smoke Alarm
Local regulations likely require fire and smoke alarms, so you should have these items already in place. Ensure your fire and smoke alarms are located throughout the building and in enough areas to cover all locations in your business adequately. - Fire Extinguisher Location
Fire extinguishers are also a necessity for businesses. You want to have fire extinguishers in your building so a quick fire extinguishment can occur if necessary. The fire extinguisher location should also be noted on your evacuation plan map. - Fire Suppression System
Fire suppression systems ensure that a fire can be put out or at least contained until the fire department arrives. Fire suppression systems come in various types, depending on your business type and the suitable fire extinguishing method needed. Fire suppression systems are often required by local regulations, too. Whether you have fire sprinklers throughout the building or a different fire suppression system, this is a vital fire safety feature to have in place and should be updated when needed. - Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance
All of the items listed above are only good if they work correctly. This is why regular tests, inspections, and maintenance of your fire safety systems are imperative. Your fire alarm must be in working order to warn occupants of a fire. Also, you want your fire sprinklers to do the best job possible to put out any fires. In addition, you should have your fire extinguishers tested, inspected, and maintained. You’ll likely be required to test and inspect these items regularly and provide maintenance for them if something isn’t working correctly.
View our services and find out how Total Fire Protection can ensure your property has all the proper fire prevention tools today!
