Preparing for something as serious as a fire in your business building can make all the difference in avoiding financial devastation. Unforeseen circumstances are inherent in running a business. Luckily there are ways you can help prepare for unfortunate events that occur without any warning.
Fire in Your Business: Steps to Take
If you prepare for a fire in your business, it might be life-saving for both individuals and your business.
Act Quickly
It may be easy to let your emotions get the best of you and not know what to do in a panic, but you do not want to waste any precious. It is not a time to look for valuables.
Remain Calm
Seeing your business property in jeopardy right before your eyes can make you feel so helpless and devastated. Regardless, it is essential to remain calm, as this will allow you to take more intelligent actions for everyone involved.
Test Doors
You will probably have to use a door or multiple doors to exit the building. Before opening any of them, it is wise first to feel the doorknob with the back of your hand. If the door burns, there is likely a raging fire on the other side of the door. Therefore, keep it closed and use another exit. Even if a door is fantastic, it is best to open it gradually and stand low in case of smoke.
Using Windows
If other escape routes in the building are no longer an option, then your next best bet for an escape will be a window. In this case, close the other doors and windows in the room tightly to help prevent the fire from spreading.
Use the Stairs
Never attempt to use the elevator in your building in the event of a fire, as the fire can cause damage to the mechanical and electrical components of the elevator, which may either waste time or trap you. Instead, use the stairs.
Avoid Smoke
Most fire-related deaths result from smoke and fumes inhalation. Staying low is the best way to avoid smoke and other super-heated gases.
Pull the Fire Alarm
Yank the fire alarm when leaving the building. If there is not one on your way out, yell “FIRE” at the top of your lungs while exiting.
Evacuation Plan
Those on the property regularly should learn about the building’s best evacuation plan and route. Reminding employees where the fire alarms are and how to use them is wise.
After escaping, flee to an open area away from the building, free of powerlines, roadways, trees, and other buildings (as much as possible). It is wise to decide on a safe zone where everyone in the building will run to and meet at. Then call the authorities, get a headcount and do an injury assessment so you can discuss details with your business insurance agent to help you recover from the damages.
About Sine Insurance
At Sine Insurance Group, we are dedicated to providing you with custom-tailored insurance policies to protect your assets. Our comprehensive packages have been expertly crafted to serve St. Louis and the surrounding areas for the past 25 years. For more information about our products, contact us today at (855) 700-0889.