Having the right kind of business insurance is very important to every business. You rely on business insurance to protect your assets in the event of a fire, theft, or other loss. In 2018, there were over 374,600 commercial fires, which caused 2,200 deaths, and over $7,200,000,000 of damage. (FEMA Report) Here are some actions you can take that may reduce the severity of a loss if, and when, a loss does occur.
Safety Checklist for Businesses
This is a good checklist for you to review annually.
- Test smoke detectors monthly.
- Check fire doors. They are not permitted to be propped open by wedges or any other temporary device.
- Make sure nonessential electrical equipment is turned off at the end of the workday.
- Are all exits clearly defined and visible?
- Keep exits unlocked during business hours.
- Be sure the area directly around the sprinkler head is free of obstructions. Move any items that are stored within one and one half feet from the sprinklers.
- Require spills of flammable or combustible liquids and hazardous materials to be cleaned up promptly.
- All exit doors should be able to be opened from the direction of exit travel without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort.
- Is your staff familiar with the firefighting equipment of your business?
- Have a safe assembly point for employees outside the building.