When it comes to protecting your business from fires, owners need to understand the threat of external dangers. Wildfires are an external fire threat that can be devasting to anything in its’ path. With the number of wildfires increasing, businesses need to prepare for wildfires. There are several precautions you can take to minimize fire damage. Code 4 Fire Watch provide some tips on wildfire safety for businesses.
Business Wildfire Safety – Fire Safety Tips
Stay Aware of Wildfire
Protecting your business from wildfires requires staying aware of where they occur. Businesses located in regions that have a high number of wildfires need to track their locations. By understanding where the fires occur, businesses will know what safety precautions are needed. The USDA Forest Service provides an active fire mapping program to track wildfire dangers.
Fire Evacuation Plan
Have a wildfire evacuation plan in place for your business. Every employee should be aware of a wildfire threat for the business and know when to evacuate. If your business must evacuate, make sure to have a communication method to conduct a headcount of employees. This ensures everyone has safely evacuated the business.
Buffer Zone
Create a buffer zone around the outside of the building when possible. Buffer zones are defensible spaces that decrease the risk of fire spread. Keeping the fire as far away from the building as possible can potentially protect the building from damage. Remove flammable materials from the surrounding areas of your building. Ideally, a 100-foot buffer zone should be in place, but any distance greater than 30 feet can help. Within the buffer zone, remove flammable vegetation and combustible materials. Consider using non-combustible materials instead of mulch or pine straw in the surrounding area. Non-combustible materials would be gravel.
Remove External Debris
In addition to creating a buffer zone, remove any external debris outside the business. This includes landscaping materials, but also items like trash or unused items. Boxes and trash can be highly flammable materials. Removing as much flammable material around the business helps minimize fire risk.
Barrier Walls
Barrier walls are another element of the buffer zone. Installing a concrete, cinderblock, or brick wall can act as a physical and non-flammable barrier to wildfires. Additionally, they can potentially prevent embers from blowing onto the business property.
Fire Rated Roof
Installing a fire-rated roof can help protect your business from embers landing on top of the building and starting a fire. Rated from Class A to Class C, they provide different levels of resistance to fires. If you are replacing your roof, it is recommended to get a Class A fire-rated roof. Class A provides the most protection from fires and embers.
Fire Suppression Systems
If a fire does occur due to a natural disaster, you will want to have a functioning fire suppressions system. Regularly service the suppression and sprinkler systems. Have the fire systems inspected periodically to ensure they are in operating conditions. If the fire emergency systems are offline, businesses are required to have a fire watch on duty.
Vent Screens
Installing screens to cover vents protects from embers entering the building. One of the most dangerous elements of a wildfire is embers in the air. Installing vent screens will prevent embers from getting sucked into your business.
Upgrade Your Windows
Tempered, double-paned glass for windows protects from radiant heat. If a wildfire is near the business, double-paned windows with tempered glass can provide more heat and fire protection. They also provide more structural support to the window. Keep all windows closed to prevent smoke from entering the building.
Wildfire Safety Tips for Your Business – Code 4 Fire Watch
Wildfire safety for businesses is a danger that owners should take seriously. Having a business wildfire safety plan is one of the best ways to protect your business. If your business needs fire watch services, contact Code 4 Fire Watch. We provide manual fire patrols during fire alarm or sprinkler system maintenance. We can have fire watch patrol on-site quickly.
