As we know, summer is fire season and it’s not only nature that is more prone to fire during those hot months of the year. As the thermometer rises, so does the possibility of a fire breaking out in both residential and commercial buildings.

With this in mind and summer just around the corner, are your commercial premises ready and prepared in case of a fire?

Even a small fire can be costly and dangerous but a major blaze is sure to be catastrophic. This is not a scenario any Aussie business owner will want to experience. Therefore, let’s look at some ways you can get your premises ready for summer and protected against fire.

Do You Have Enough Fire Extinguishers?

There’s no point only having a couple of small fire extinguishers available if your business premises are expansive. With the help of fire protection professionals, they’ll be able to advise you on how many extinguishers you need and the very best spots to locate them for quick and easy access.

Even if you have enough fire extinguishers, they need to be maintained, in good working order and full so they’re ready to use in the case of an emergency.

Having the Right Fire Detection Equipment and Alarms Is Vital

When it comes to fire protection installation, fire alarms form an integral part of your defence against fire and they are vital for the safety of everyone. Some fire alarms sound a warning while some other systems will offer both audible and visual cues. These latter systems are designed for work areas where there is a lot of noise, where an audible alarm might not be heard.

Once again, to ensure you have the right fire alarms for your operation, call in a fire solution professional for an inspection of your business premises and they’ll be able to advise you on your current setup and whether any upgrades or modifications need to be made. You can see more here about some of the best alarm systems on the market today.

Is the Building Equipped With Emergency Lighting?

Lighting in the event of fire falls into two categories:

1. Emergency lighting

2. Exit lighting

Having emergency lighting installed is vital for the safety of everyone. Even if it’s the middle of the day, when a fire breaks out and a building fills with smoke, it can get very dark very quickly . Emergency lighting guides people to safety in the event of a fire causing low visibility. These lights are connected to the main power supply but come with a battery backup system in case the power goes out.

Exit lighting is another form of emergency lighting that guides employees to the exits, so they can safely escape the building. Exit lighting will also have a battery backup as a safeguard.

Ensure your premises are equipped with emergency lighting and exit lighting.

Fire Sprinkler Systems Are a Must

If you already have a fire sprinkler system installed, has it been regularly maintained by a professional and is it in good working order? You will want to have it inspected if you’re not sure.

If your business premises doesn’t yet have a fire sprinkler system in place, have one installed ASAP.

With a working sprinkler system installed, if a fire breaks out in a certain area of the building, the buildup of heat will crack a small bulb inside the sprinkler head, causing it to activate and douse the flames. Fire sprinklers will only activate in the locations where they are required, therefore not causing water damage to areas unaffected by the fire.

Has Everyone Been Trained In Fire Safety?

The fire safety measures in your business will only be effective if your staff has been sufficiently trained. This includes everything from learning how to operate a fire extinguisher, staying calm, who your fire wardens are, where the emergency exits are and more.

Calling in a professional trainer to get everyone up to speed on fire safety is a must do and a decision that one day might save someone’s life.

The Takeaway

Make sure your business premises are ready for summer by making sure it is fire safe. Ensure things like extinguishers and sprinklers are in working order, and that staff know what to do in the event of a fire with regular training.