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What are the Common Causes of Fire Damage in Commercial Businesses?

Information may not be reliable

10/22/2020

Commercial fire incidents are fortunately preventable. Learn the common causes of fires in the business setting and how to prevent them in this article by ServiceMaster by LoveJoy.

No event is more devastating to a commercial business than a fire, as it places lives and livelihood at stake. A commercial fire affects a company's operations, productivity, revenue and, in serious cases, may even result to a temporary or permanent shutdown. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that from 2007 to 2011, fire departments have responded to an average of 3,340 fires in office properties per year, amounting to $112 million in damage, several injuries and even death.

Commercial fires result to costly property damages that need the services of a professional fire damage restoration company to return the facility to its normal condition. Fortunately, fire incidents are preventable. Learn the common causes of fires in the business setting and how to prevent them in this article by ServiceMaster by LoveJoy.

What Causes Commercial Fires?

Business owners and employees must be on guard for these common causes of workplace fires, according to the NFPA:

Cooking appliances and equipment. Cooking equipment remain as the leading cause of commercial fires, amounting to 29% of structure fires in office properties and 6% of property damages from 2007 to 2011, according to the NFPA. To prevent cooking fires, never leave appliances unattended, perform routine maintenance of kitchen and cooking equipment, and install sprinklers and smoke alarms.
Electrical distribution and lighting equipment. Frayed or damaged wiring and malfunctioning lighting equipment should be repaired or replaced by a licensed technician immediately.
Office or electronic equipment. Use electronic equipment correctly and never utilize defective or damaged electronic devices. Also, avoid overloading adapters and remove combustible materials near electronics.
Heating equipment. Heating fire deaths are most often caused by placing the heating equipment close to flammable materials, such as bedding, mattresses or upholstery.
Arson or intentional fires. This type of fire causes the most damage to commercial property and life. To prevent intentional fires, empty trash bins and dumpsters every day. Installing motion detector cameras can also help.
Smoking materials. Create a smoking policy for your workplace, such as smoking outside and using ashtrays, to prevent the risk of fire.
Exposure fires. If a fire is not contained, it could spread to other materials in its immediate surroundings and cause exposure fire. Protect objects from the heat spread to prevent them from igniting.

How to Prevent Commercial Fire Damage in Georgia

Fire prevention is vital to avoid property losses. Here are some tips to protect against a commercial fire.

Create an emergency plan. Take time to prepare an emergency plan and discuss it with employees and building staff. Check the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) brochure for a generic overview.
Educate employees about fire safety. Since most commercial fires are caused by cooking equipment, office kitchen fire safety tips must be encouraged. Appliances must be unplugged after use. Employees must also be trained regarding the proper use of a fire extinguisher. Most importantly, employees must also familiarize emergency protocols and emergency routes and exits should a small fire go out of control.
Perform routine inspections of office equipment. Office equipment must be checked regularly to ensure that they are in good working condition. Frayed electrical cords, damaged electronics and appliances, and malfunctioning heating, electrical, and lighting systems must be attended to immediately.
Install smoke detectors and alarms. Smoke detectors are among the items that can actually save lives and are the most effective things you can install for fire prevention in the workplace. Install the best ones you can afford and inspect them regularly.
Check sprinklers. Automatic sprinklers can help mitigate the impacts of commercial fires. Utilize them in conjunction with a warning system, such as smoke detectors.

What to Do During and After a Fire

A fire extinguisher should be utilized for fires that can quickly be contained. For large fires, engage the emergency alarm system and exit the building using the evacuation routes determined in the emergency plan.
After exiting the building premises, employees should immediately call 911.
Do an official headcount once the entire workforce is out of the building. If someone is missing, alert emergency services and the fire department personnel. Do not attempt to rush back in to find them.
Call fire damage restoration professionals, such as ServiceMaster by LoveJoy, and the insurance company. Document damages in detail to make the claims process easier.

Workplace Fire? Get Help from Georgia's Leading Fire Damage Repair Company

When it comes to commercial fire damage, proper mitigation is important to prevent incurring further losses. ServiceMaster by LoveJoy can assist you during this time of need. Our commercial fire damage restoration team is trained in every step of the fire remediation process. We have the necessary equipment and can quickly restore your facility to pre-disaster conditions.

ServiceMaster by LoveJoy is available to respond to your emergency needs and provide you with immediate solutions to fire and smoke damage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact ServiceMaster by LoveJoy at 678-293-0297 for Conyers and 770-992-1575 for Roswell. We service Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington, Social Circle, and Dekalb County, Georgia and surrounding areas.

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