As a business owner, you must take the proper steps to protect your staff in the event a fire breaks out. Along with having fire alarms in place, creating a comprehensive safety plan is also encouraged. To ensure a thorough system, include the following.

How to Create an Effective Fire Safety Plan for Your Business

1. Map Out Multiple Escape Routes

When a fire breaks out, there's always the chance that the main exit will be blocked or inaccessible. That's why your fire safety plan should include two or more exits that are clearly marked. When practicing drills, try to use both routes, so employees know where they are.

2. Designate Roles to Your Staff

Emergency situations are often confusing. To prevent panic, select responsible people from your staff to take over during a fire. For example, one person can be responsible for implementing the agreed-upon fire plan and making sure everyone made it to the evacuation zone. Another person can check the escape routes to make sure they're open before the evacuation begins.

3. Check Smoke & Fire Alarms

A fire alarm system won't be much help if it doesn't operate correctly. If you have smoke alarms, test them once a month and replace batteries at least once per year. If your building has a more advanced fire alarm system, follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and inspections.

4. Decide on a Meeting Place

After leaving the building, your staff should meet at a predetermined place. This meeting spot should be relatively close, but far enough away that it won't be affected by the fire. Make sure everyone is aware of the exact meeting place well before an evacuation occurs, as it'll prevent a lot of confusion.

If you need help maintaining your business’ fire alarms and sprinkler systems, GMW Fire Protection in Anchorage, AK, can help. As a trusted provider of fire protection systems since 1998, you can rest assured their products and services are reliable. They can outfit your place of work with alarms, sprinklers, and suppression systems, and they also offer testing of fire safety equipment. For more information on their services, call (907) 336-5000 today or visit their website.