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Fire Protection for Retail and Commercial Properties

Fire accidents can cause massive property damage to any business establishments. On top of that, it can endanger the lives of many. Thus, it’s vital to ensure that the fire protection for retail and commercial properties are in top condition.

In today’s post, let us take a look at the fire hazards and threats in retail stores, the fire protection systems available for commercial and retail establishments, and more helpful information for commercial property owners.

Common Fire Hazards in Commercial Properties

You will see a number of potential fire risks and hazards in a typical commercial and retail establishment. When you work with a fire protection company for retail stores, make sure to discuss these hazards.

All Electrical Equipment

This category includes cash registers, computers, lights, sound systems, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioning units, and many other portions of your commercial establishment that needs electricity to operate.

There are many flammables in a retail store.Any malfunctions of these electrical devices may lead to a fire. Thus, it’s essential always to make sure that the electrical equipment in your retail store is in good working order.

Flammables

The types of flammable products found in a commercial establishment will depend on what type of industry they are a part of. Proper storage and disposal of flammable products must be followed.

Caused by Humans

When you open your establishment to the public, you can’t control how they will behave within your premises. Whether the fire threat is by accident or on purpose, you must have the proper fire safety measures.

Important Components of Fire Protection for Retail Establishments

Fire Alarms

Fire alarm systems are an essential component of the overall fire protection for retail establishments. They are the fire line of defense against fire risks and fire hazards, and thus a critical part of the general fire safety system of retail and commercial properties.

When the fire alarm goes off in your building, all occupants and guests immediately know that fire risk is imminent, and thus urgent evacuation must take place. Even if it turns out to be a false alarm, the right protocol for fire protection for retail and commercial properties must be followed.

Fire Alarm Monitoring

Without a reliable monitoring system, fire alarms are not going to be functioning optimally. The alarms will alert the people; the fire alarm monitoring system will alert the local fire department so help can be sent your way as soon as the alarms are triggered.

Fire Sprinklers

There are sprinkler systems specially made for retail stores and commercial establishments. These sprinkler systems are designed to combat bigger fires in larger establishments.

You will need professional inspectors to conduct the regular inspection and testing of fire sprinkler systems in your building. The test and inspections involve a monthly check, a quarterly check, and the NFPA-required annual check.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are important fire safety equipment in retail stores.Most fire codes mandate access to a certain number of fire extinguishers throughout a commercial facility. Fire extinguishers are a vital component of fire safety in a commercial setting.

They are handy and provide individuals with a tool to kill small fires as they wait for the fire department – preventing the spread of it and allowing the building occupants to evacuate safely.

Fire Suppression Systems

The fire suppression you need for your commercial establishment will depend on several factors. Work with a trusted fire protection contractor to meet your commercial fire suppression needs.

Emergency Exit Signs and Emergency Lights

Any type of emergency can be stressful, confusing, and chaotic. It can be especially dangerous in a commercial setting because of the number of people, flammable products, and electrical equipment present in the building.

Exit signs and emergency lights adequately placed throughout the building are helpful. They help in the safe and quick evacuation of the building occupants.

As a retail store or commercial establishment owner or manager, it’s your responsibility to educate your employees on proper evacuation guidelines. They must also know how to guide the customers or clients during an emergency.