Fire Prevention for Your Business

At PetBizInsurance.com, we want to make sure your pet business is ready and protected against the unexpected! 🐾 From grooming salons to boarding facilities, fire hazards can happen anywhere.

Fires can be terrifying – and potentially devastating for your business. They can compromise the safety of your employees as well as the public. The flames and smoke from a fire can severely damage your equipment, inventory, building and the pets in your care.

Use this checklist to minimize the risk of a fire at your business.

• Create and maintain a fire prevention plan. Train your employees on the steps to take if a fire occurs, including calling 911 immediately. Some insurance companies will give you a discount if you have a fire prevention program.

• Develop an evacuation plan and do fire drills. Map out fire evacuation routes with as many alternatives as possible. Post a fire evacuation plan. (In larger buildings, post the plan in multiple locations.) Fire evacuation plans should assume elevators are disabled. You should also develop a detailed evacuation map for any employees, clients, and pets who need additional assistance in an emergency. Conduct a fire drill at least once a year.

• Make sure your business complies with all local fire codes. This helps from a safety perspective and also makes it easier for you to recover if you have to file an insurance claim.

• Have a fire alarm system and smoke detectors. Fire alarms and smoke detectors will alert workers and other business occupants if there’s a fire so everyone can evacuate safely. Quickly notifying occupants significantly reduces injuries and deaths.

• Have fire extinguishers. Make sure you have enough fire extinguishers. Properly mount, tag and inspect them. You should also train all employees on how to use a fire extinguisher.

• Install a sprinkler, foam system or other fire suppression system. A properly installed automatic fire suppression system will cover the entire building. Maintain and inspect it regularly and make necessary repairs promptly.

• Be cautious with electrical equipment. Install proper outlets, switches, wiring, circuit breakers and junction boxes in your building. Use properly grounded and insulated power strips and extension cords. Don’t overload outlets, power strips or extension cords.

• Store hazardous materials safely. Never store flammable materials beside a furnace or another heat source. Make sure all chemicals are clearly marked and stored.

• Properly maintain machines. Properly maintain all the machines you use in your business to avoid sparks and fires. Keep them clean and, if possible, switch them off when not in use.

• Be aware of arson risks. Arson is one of the main causes of workplace fires. Employees can help prevent arson by locking doors at the end of the day.