Fire is one of the most common and destructive natural disasters. It can occur anywhere and at any time, often without warning. About a million fires happen in the United States every year, and they cause billions of dollars in damage.
There are three main types of fires: structure fires, vehicle fires, and wildland or rural fires. Structure fires are the most common type of fire in the United States, accounting for about two-thirds of reported fires. They can occur in any building, including homes, apartments, offices, and stores.
Vehicle fires account for about one-fifth of all reported fires. They usually happen when a vehicle’s engine or exhaust system overheats or flammable liquids spill onto hot surfaces.
Wildland or rural fires are the least common type of fire, accounting for only about one percent of all reported fires. They often happen in forests or grasslands during dry weather conditions.
Among all of these types of fires, a structure fire is the one that’s likely to affect your business the most. Here are eight of the most significant fire risks in businesses:
Flammable liquids
Gasoline, kerosene, and other flammable liquids are typical in businesses. They’re often used in vehicles and machinery or stored in tanks or drums. If these liquids catch on fire, they can quickly spread the flames to other parts of the business.
Electrical equipment
Computers, printers, and other electrical equipment are essential for many businesses. But they can also be a fire hazard if they’re not used properly. For example, overloaded outlets and extension cords are common causes of electrical fires.
Heating equipment
Space heaters, furnaces, and boilers are all familiar heat sources in businesses. However, if they’re not properly maintained, they can overheat and start a fire.
Cooking equipment
Kitchen fires are one of the most common types of structure fires. They often start when cooking equipment is left unattended or when the grease and other flammable materials build up on stovetops and ovens.
Clothing
Businesses that sell clothes or handle textile products are at risk of fires starting in clothing storage areas. This is especially true if the clothing is stored in piles or on racks.
Paper products
Paper products are another common source of business fires. They can easily catch on fire if they’re left near heat sources or come into contact with sparks or open flames.
Flammable solvents
Paint thinners, cleaning fluids, and other flammable solvents are often used in businesses. If they’re not properly stored or handled, they can easily catch fire.
Wooden furniture
Furniture made of wood is a common source of business fires. For example, wooden desks, chairs, and cabinets can easily catch on fire if they’re placed near heat sources or if they’re not regularly cleaned.
These are just some of the many fire risks that businesses face. By identifying and addressing these risks, you can help keep your business safe from fire damage. However, further prevention is required to keep your business fully fire-proof. Here are some ways you can do that.
Have fire-resistant clothing in your restaurant
Restaurants have a lot of fire hazards. That’s why it’s essential to have fire-resistant personal protection equipment or FR PPE. Chef uniforms, aprons, and gloves made of fire-resistant materials can help protect restaurant workers from burns.
Install automatic sprinklers
Automatic sprinklers are one of the most effective ways to prevent fires in businesses. They can quickly extinguish a fire before it has a chance to spread.
Keep flammable liquids in safe storage containers
Flammable liquids should be kept in safe storage containers such as drums or cabinets. This will help prevent them from catching on fire if there’s a spill or leak.
Regularly test your smoke alarms
Smoke alarms are an essential part of any fire safety plan. Employees should test them regularly to make sure they’re working properly. Moreover, you should upgrade your smoke alarms whenever you can. Upgraded smoke alarms can detect smoke faster and help you get out of the building more quickly in the event of a fire.
Get electrical maintenance every year
Maintenance is key to keeping your business safe from electrical fires. You should have a professional electrician inspect your business’ electrical system every year. They can check for overloaded circuits, frayed wires, and other hazards.
Consider getting fire insurance
Fire insurance can help protect your business from the financial damages caused by a fire. This includes the costs of repairing or rebuilding the company and the costs of any property that was damaged or destroyed in the fire.
You can help keep your business safe from fires by taking these steps. However, it’s also essential to have a plan in place if a fire breaks out. This plan should include an evacuation route and a designated meeting place. By being prepared, you can help ensure that everyone in your business is safe in the event of a fire.
Meta Title: Reduce These Eight Known Fire Risks in Your Business Meta Description: A fire is a costly and dangerous event for any business. It’s in your best interest to reduce the chances of this happening in your busine
