Is Your Business Prepared for a Fire Emergency?

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Fire can happen at any moment, is your Business Prepared?

A fire is one of the most unpredictable forces in nature. Knowing how to escape one if it should break out at your East Baton Rouge business can be key for reducing injuries to your employees and customers. Even if you have fire safety measures in place, such as ceiling sprinklers and fire extinguisher stations, a contingency plan can be as equally important when a blaze gets too big for you to handle alone. Asking yourself a few questions about your building’s layout and workforce can help you create an effective and viable escape plan.

Where Is Your Company Located?

The location of your business within a building can affect your evacuation plan, so this is a factor you will probably want to consider. Take a quick tour of your office space and note the specifics that might affect your planned route:

• The number of exits
• The floor your company occupies
• The condition of accessible stairwells

If you rent a building, ask your landlord to assist with creating the plan and whether you can modify any exits to make them safer during an evacuation. SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge can also assist in putting a plan in place for your business for FREE. 

Does the Plan Include Handicapped Routes?

Handicapped employees and customers can have difficulty reaching safety during an evacuation, so it is important to include special considerations for them in your contingency plan. Assign handicapped workers an evacuation partner to assist them in case of an emergency and create at least one route that is wheelchair accessible.

Are All Shifts Aware of the Plan?

If you have more than one shift working at your business, it is important that each understands the details of the evacuation strategy. Call in a fire damage and cleanup service to help you organize a company-wide information meeting on safety so you can perform drills and ensure all of your employees are prepared in case of fire.

Fires can break out without warning, even if your East Baton Rouge business is normally at low risk for such an event. Having an effective contingency plan in place helps to protect your employees and customers while offering you peace of mind as a business owner.