As a commercial property manager, fire safety is an essential part of your role. It’s crucial to identify potential risks and be prepared for any unexpected events that may arise. In this blog post, we’ll dig into the four most common causes of fires in commercial properties.
Understanding these hazards can help you protect your property and tenants. We will cover how to best prevent them from occurring so that you can have peace of mind knowing that your commercial property is adequately protected against the risk of fire.
Electrical Malfunction
If you have an old wiring system or are using outdated power strips, you may be at risk of electrical fires, power surges, and other dangerous situations. It’s important to be aware of the dangers of these potential hazards and take the necessary steps to prevent them from occurring.
Regularly inspecting and updating your electrical system can save you a lot of headaches and ensure the safety of your home or workspace. Don’t let electrical malfunction spark a disaster.
Poorly Maintained HVAC Systems
Poorly maintained HVAC systems in commercial buildings have been the main cause of fires for years. When HVAC systems are neglected, they can easily malfunction and cause problems like electrical shorts or overheating leading to fire risk.
It is essential that building owners and managers take the necessary steps to maintain their HVAC systems, including regularly scheduled inspections, cleaning, and repairs. Ignoring these tasks can ultimately lead to catastrophic consequences that no one wants to experience.
Heating Appliances
It’s crucial to understand the potential causes of heating appliance fires. One common cause is the use of damaged or frayed cords, which can short-circuit and ignite nearby materials. Poorly maintained appliances can also be a factor, as dirt and debris build-up can create a fire hazard.
Finally, the misuse of heating appliances, such as leaving them unattended or using them too close to combustible materials, can also cause fires. With proper care and attention, these risks can be mitigated, ensuring a safe and warm environment for everyone.
Smoking in Unauthorized Areas
One all-to common cause of commercial property fires is smoking in unauthorized areas. A discarded cigarette but tossed in dry mulch or around some other combustible material can lead to disaster. Business owners must enforce strict smoking policies to reduce the risk of fire incidents. If you allow smoking on your property, is crucial that it’s contained to designated smoking areas – and most of all, enforced.
How You Can Stay Protective
Commercial property owners must take the necessary precautions to minimize fire risk, as these incidents can result in huge losses. Maintaining smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers is a good start. Regular inspections and maintenance of all electrical systems and appliances also go a long way in preventing fires. Proper storage and disposal of flammable materials must be a priority, and smoking should be prohibited in all areas surrounding the property.
In the event of a fire outbreak, having a fire evacuation plan in place and ensuring all occupants are aware of it can save lives. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to fire safety, and taking these protective measures can go a long way in protecting your property and business.
24 Restore is the preferred restoration services partner of commercial & residential property owners across New England. Whether you’re dealing with an emergency situation, or just simply need help implementing a sound Disaster Response Plan, we’re available to help. Contact 24 anytime, day or night for assistance.
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