Fire Escape in a Commercial Setting

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

In A Commercial Setting, How Do You Get Out Of A Fire?

Because the safety of employees should always take top priority, no business owner in Oklahoma City, OK, should be without a proper fire escape plan. Read on to learn how to implement and share a strategy for safely evacuating your building and minimizing other forms of damage.

1. Exits and Space

The most important preventative measure is compliance with all existing local fire codes. Do not block any exits and have all exterior fire escapes routinely inspected for structural integrity. Leave adequate space near all sides of the building for firefighters and other emergency personnel to park their vehicles. Install and maintain multiple fire alarms and extinguishers per floor. Do not exceed the occupancy limits as outlined in your local codes, as too many people on the premises will strain any emergency escape plan and make injury or property damage more likely.

2. Implementation and Awareness

A fire escape plan is only as good as your ability to communicate it effectively with your employees. Have fire safety videos and related information as part of your routine training process. Explain an orderly evacuation procedure when all employees are present and test it with regular drills. Make sure that escape routes and building plans are labeled clearly and posted on doors and walls as required by applicable fire codes. Congregate outdoors in the vicinity of the first responders, but do not block their access to the building.

3. Emergency Training

If significant smoke is present, evacuation may require crawling along the floor and away from the escaping tendrils, which will rise near the ceiling. It will be extremely beneficial to have some segment of employees educated in first aid in case emergency personnel are delayed. For example, burns may need to be wrapped and cooled to prevent infection.

Since a commercial fire can strike at any moment, don’t wait to devise a specific fire escape plan for your place of business. This should include both a sound evacuation procedure and contact information for fire restoration professionals.