As we wind down the year, consider ways your company performed well and areas with room for improvement. Do you have a comprehensive fire strategy? Implementing a safety plan is one way to prevent the worst. It may feel like devastating events like fires only happen to other people, but anyone is susceptible. There were 129,500 commercial fires nationwide in 2022. That’s nearly 355 fires a day. So, how do you stop your company from becoming a statistic? Educating yourself and your team on the most common causes of commercial fires can help you know what to look for.
Arson
One of the most common causes of commercial fires is also one of the most shocking. It’s unthinkable that someone may intentionally harm your business, but arson is the second-leading cause of non-residential fires. An arsonist may have an ulterior motive and expect financial gain from setting a fire, or they could simply be a disturbed individual. Having prominently placed security cameras is one way to stop an arsonist. They’re less likely to commit crimes when they know they’re being watched.
Electrical Problems
Electrical problems can affect businesses of any size, and the culprit is often poor installation. These fires might be caused by overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, and improper maintenance, to name a few reasons. Like most fires, electrical blazes are preventable. Regular inspections can help your team catch potential issues before they become dangerous. Electrical problems often have warning signs like flickering lights, sparks, and breakers tripping frequently.
Heating Equipment
HVAC malfunctions are a surprising cause of commercial fires. Sometimes, the systems are surrounded by flammable materials that can quickly light on fire and cause devastation. In other instances, an HVAC unit may not be adequately cleaned. When debris accumulates, it can affect the system’s airflow, which increases fire risk. Regular maintenance of your building’s HVAC systems is an easy way to reduce the chances of a fire developing.
Human Error
Everyone makes mistakes, but those errors can have devastating consequences. Say an employee doesn’t fully put out a cigarette before disposing of it, or accidentally leaves the stove on in the office breakroom. Human error is frequently to blame for commercial fires, but there’s good news: proper training can eliminate a lot of the risks. Educating workers and visitors on fire prevention best practices may save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
The fire prevention team at Integrated Security Consultants has expert training to ensure they can provide you with the best customer service experience. Your safety is paramount to us. We treat our clients the same way we would family and promise to look out for your best interest, regardless of your timeline or budget. We offer free, no-obligation quotes to allow you to learn more about our services and determine whether we’re a potential good match. If you’re searching for fire alarms, sprinklers, detectors, or extinguishers, give us a call at 813-254-0033 today. You can also contact us online to schedule your consultation.