Commercial fire protection is necessary for any workplace, helping keep the people inside safe. While everyone is taught basic safety procedures as a child, those actions might not come naturally when a real emergency occurs, especially at work. Familiarizing yourself with fire safety provides a sense of security if an emergency does arise, and it could mean the difference between life and death. Since commercial safety extends beyond the basics, here are helpful do’s and don’ts you should always keep in mind.

Do:

Know your building’s evacuation plan.

An evacuation plan is a vital component of commercial fire protection, and every building has one. This plan will be posted throughout the premises, so review it carefully, including all signs regarding fire exits and directions. It only takes a few minutes to familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures, but it could save your life down the line. Always know two ways out of the building, and if you need to exit from a higher floor, always take the stairs. Never use elevators; their mechanical aspects make them a severe hazard during emergencies.

Know how to operate fire alarms & fire extinguishers.

Know the locations of fire alarms and extinguishers, and know how to properly operate both. Alarms should be tested regularly to ensure they’re up and running, so make this a priority. If an emergency does arise, pulling that switch or reaching for the extinguisher could help get flames under control, allowing a safe escape from the building.

Don’t:

Ignore fire alarms.

While false alarms do happen, take each warning seriously. You never know when an emergency could occur, so as soon as that alarm goes off, prepare to evacuate the building immediately. Paying close attention to every warning is a vital aspect of commercial fire protection, so be reactive, and encourage other employees to do the same. You don’t know when real danger could be occurring at the opposite side of the building, so acting and alerting others could save a life. 

Leave hazardous items unattended.

Always take extra precautions at work, and double-check that no chemicals, appliances, or other flammable items are left unattended. At the end of your shift, put these back into their designated areas, and unplug any equipment you’re not using. These simple steps are crucial to preventing fires, so do your part. 

Commercial fire protection is critical, so always familiarize yourself with procedures and stay well-prepared. Anchorage, AK’s GMW Fire Protection can help; these go-to experts have provided the state with both commercial and residential fire protection for more than 15 years, from fire extinguishers to sprinkler systems, emergency and exit lighting, and fire alarms. Their impressive inventory will help keep your workplace safe, and their skilled staff can perform the necessary installation, maintenance, and repair to keep everything up and running, with 24/7 emergency service available. Visit their website to learn more, or call (907) 336-5000 to start designing your fire safety system today.