Do you have a Known & Practiced Fire Escape Plan at Work?

You’ve gone above and beyond in training your staff to be the most efficient, knowledgeable employees possible but have you trained them on what to do in case of emergency? In honor of Fire Prevention Week, this week’s blog focuses on making sure your employees know and understand your business’ fire escape plan.

Overall fire occurrences are down which has left experts suspecting that complacency with planning and preparedness is up. Just like at home, fire escape plans should be practiced twice per year or, according to OSHA, as often as needed for your employees to be prepared. Key points to consider when making your fire escape plans at work are plan effectiveness, staff preparedness and functioning equipment.

 

How Effective Is Your Fire Escape Plan?

In this day and age, most companies have plans and protocols for nearly everything, but, when was the last time you checked your fire escape plan? Is it a generically written plan that’s been in a binder since 1980? If so, it might be time for a refresh. Your company’s fire escape plan should include a blueprint of your building(s), clearly marking all escape routes.

 

Is Your Plan Known, Your Staff Practiced & Prepared?

As discussed in last week’s home fire safety blog, practice makes for preparedness. Regular fire drills at your place of business don’t have to take long and can be critical during an actual fire. Unannounced fire drills are recommended to help simulate the real thing, allowing your HR Department and management team to spot weak points to address and practice further.

 

Have You Tested Your Fire Safety Equipment?

Your fire alarms are being routinely checked already but routine fire drills, while familiarizing your staff with the protocol, will also help pinpoint any problem areas. Technology fails sometimes so doing a run-through of your fire escape plan ensures your fire alarms are working in between check-ups as are your wired emergency exits and any other fire safety technology you’ve employed (don’t forget fire extinguisher inspections as required by NFPA 10). This is the perfect time to check smoke alarm battery life as well.

PRO TIP: When you test your fire alarms regularly, you’ll not only be in compliance with the law but also your local building department, fire inspectors and possibly your insurance carrier who may reject your claim if you do not have proof of completed, scheduled inspections. You’ll also minimize faulty alarms that waste fire department resources.

 

How Can We Make Fire Safety Easier for You?

As a business owner, you have a lot on your plate. You have your area of expertise while fire alarm design, engineering and monitoring is ours. Knowing that emergency personnel will be dispatched to your location as quickly as possible with our 24/7 monitoring center on the job can bring a world of relief. From annual compliance testing of your alarm system to complete maintenance packages designed to replace all major components of your life safety systems, we’ve got you covered. You also have the option of preventative maintenance agreements for your business, which take the guesswork out of budgeting and keep costs down.

Most importantly, we urge you to practice, practice, practice your fire escape plan with your staff until you feel they are fully prepared in the event of a fire emergency. The peace of mind this simple task will bring you and your team is priceless! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions or for help with easy implementation ideas.