How to Establish a Fire Drill Procedure

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Being prepared for changes is part of owning your own business, but have you considered how a fire could change your plans? The risk of a commercial fire is huge for businesses, and if you have employees who work on-site, it is important to make sure they are prepared for the possibility as well.

Establishing a fire drill procedure is a great way to keep everyone safe and informed regarding the steps to take if a fire breaks out. Here’s how to do it:

Planning a Fire Drill Schedule for Your Business

Consult with your local fire officials. Talking with local fire officials is a great jumping-off point for implementing any type of fire safety plan. They can talk you through the specifics of your layout so you can effectively plan evacuation routes and they can also discuss your overall fire risk so you can increase your fire safety throughout the building.

Communicate and mark fire evacuation routes. Once you have your evacuation routes set, mark them clearly with signs and communicate with staff on what this means. Involving your employees in the fire safety process will make everyone feel safer and prepare them ahead of time for when you start scheduling regular drills.

Have fire drills frequently. The first moments of a fire can be a scary time, but they are also the most crucial to getting to safety. Fires can spread rapidly, which is why reducing panic and getting everyone out of the building quickly is so important. Regular fire drills can help with this, as everyone will know exactly what to do and where to go from their rehearsals.

Run different fire scenarios. No two fires are identical, so your fire drills should not be identical either. Make sure to practice a variety of scenarios so your staff is prepared for anything—experiment by having the fake fire “originate” in different places or blocking some fire exits to better emulate a real-world scenario so your staff can be safe no matter what.

If your business has experienced fire damage, you can count on us. We specialize in commercial fire restoration and will be here for you at any hour—contact us today.