Helpful Fire Prevention Safety and Security Tips for Your Small Business from Security Specialists, a Kidde Fire Alarm Systems Strategic Partner!

Did you know that, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there’s an average of over 3,000 fires in office properties annually, causing death, injury and around $ 112 million in property damage?

Knowing how to prevent fires at your small business saves lives as well as your key business assets. To help you stay ahead of danger, here are eight fire prevention tips:

1. Invest in a Quality, Robust Fire Alarm System – There’s nothing more important than being able to detect the first sign of trouble before it becomes a full-blown fire. At Security Specialists, we’ve partnered with Kidde Fire Alarm Systems, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high-quality fire safety products for businesses of every size, to provide you with a system that will keep your office protected and your employees safe.
2. Test Your Smoke Alarms At least Once Every Thirty Days – And, don’t forget to replace the batteries in every smoke alarm every year. It’s also a good idea to replace all your smoke alarms every ten years.
3. Stay on Top of Fire Code Changes – Periodically check with your local municipality for updated fire code changes and information on how to keep your business safe from a fire.
4. Name a Safety Officer – Regardless of the size of your business you should name a fire prevention officer. This is the person who will be in charge of putting together escape routes and meeting places for your employees. This is also the person in charge of keeping your fire prevention efforts up to date.
5. Watch Where You Smoke – If you still allow smoking, then designate only certain areas outside of your building and wherever possible, incorporate large ashtrays that don’t easily tip over. To prevent smoldering ashes from becoming fires, always empty the contents of an ashtray into a fire proof receptacle.
6. Check Your Facility’s Wiring – Make sure your get rid of electrical cords with broken connectors or cracked insulation right away. If you need to use extension cords make sure you only use one per electrical outlet.
7. Make It a Habit Not to Store Hazardous or Flammable Materials On-Site – Stockpiling flammable or hazardous materials in a furnace room, storeroom or basement can be dangerous. Dispose of them in your local municipality’s appropriate facility.
8. Keep Fire Extinguishers Updated – Fire extinguishers need to be kept in places where they are accessible and visible. They also need to be fully charged and annually inspected by qualified people.

We at Security Specialists Want You and Your Employees to Stay Safe and Secure at Your Business!