The Importance of Hosting Fire Drills at Your Business | SERVPRO® of Kingston/New Paltz

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Workplace evacuations drills are crucial no matter the type of business you have!

If you own a business in Ulster County, you are well accustomed to all the moving parts required to keep things running smoothly. From daily tasks to long-term planning, there is a lot to juggle—but it is vital that as a business owner, you do not let safety tasks such as fire drills slip through the cracks.

While fire drills are not the most enjoyable task and do not grow your business directly, they contribute significantly to the overall safety of your workplace as well as your peace of mind in the event of a problem.

Why Hosting Fire Drills at Your Business Is Important

Hosting regular fire drills at your business is a must for the safety of you as well as your employees. While no one wants to experience a fire, the National Fire Protection Association estimates that there are more than 3,000 fires in commercial spaces every year—and all it takes is one to derail your business plans and put your staff in danger.

Fires can spread within seconds, especially in commercial buildings where there is often plenty of fuel. The faster everyone can get out of the building, the quicker you can be certain that everyone is safe. Knowing that your staff has a plan of evacuation in place can relieve some of the stress should you ever have to face an event.

What to Consider When Planning Fire Drills

Utilizing Different Scenarios: Running fire drills with various scenarios is key to making sure your staff is thoroughly prepared for any situation. Fires can start for a variety of reasons and of course, in various places, so be sure to run your drill from different locations each time and utilizing real time but completely different situations (i.e. an electrical fire on the 2^nd floor, a lightning strike to the building next door, a burning ashtray right outside the door, malfunctioning appliance or machines in the break room).

Prioritizing Employees With Special Needs: Not every employee will be able to execute a fire drill without assistance, so be sure you are including your employees who might need an extra hand in your plans. Pairing up employees with a buddy can be a great way to ensure everyone is equally able to get out of the building safely. Be mindful of location, distances, obstructions and time needed.

Hosting Drills on a Regular Basis: When it comes to solidifying the details of a fire drill in the minds of your staff, repetition is key. Be sure you host drills at least once every few months so everyone feels completely prepared and can memorize the plan that is in place.

If you need help with your business’ fire readiness or assistance with fire restoration, we are here to help. Get in touch 24/7 to learn more.