Sentry Insurance Reminder: Preventing Fires at Your Business

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2008 U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,451,500 fires nationwide. These fires resulted in more than $15 billion in direct property loss. Sentry Insurance encourages members to use the following information to assist in taking the necessary precautions to protect businesses against fires.

Steps To Take Before A Fire Starts:

• Have an emergency fire plan in place, including a warning and communication system to alert employees of a fire, designated evacuation routes and periodic evacuation drills, extinguisher usage training and prevention controls. Regularly review your plan to ensure it is still appropriate for your facility, staff and operations.
• Inspect your facility for fire hazards. Conduct a walk-through inspection or ask your local fire department to do so. Correct discovered hazards.
• Consider installing a building sprinkler system. If a sprinkler system is already in place, inspect and test it on a regular basis.
• Provide the appropriate number and type of fire extinguishers, and train employees how to use them. Provide periodic refresher training.
• Consider which operations or processes in your workplace may require special fire safeguards. Be sure proper controls are in place and employees are trained on safeguards.
• Establish housekeeping rules in your workplace, including frequent cleaning, prompt waste disposal and proper material handling.
• Enforce a “no smoking” policy. If smoking is allowed, restrict it to posted safe areas and provide receptacles for disposal.
• Establish a preventive maintenance schedule to keep equipment and operations running safely.

• Consider using infrared testing of equipment and electrical systems to detect potential problems.
• Identify and mark all utility shutoffs so electrical power, gas or water can be turned off quickly by fire responders or personnel.

During A Fire:

• Immediately contact the fire department
• Follow your emergency fire plan and evacuate the building. Account for all employees, visitors and customers.
• If the fire is small, allow trained employees to extinguish the fire. Follow the fire department’s instructions upon arrival.

After a fire is extinguished:

• Contact your insurance company
• Take steps to prevent additional loss
• Keep employees informed on repair and start-up plans

Sentry Insurance offers members product liability Insurance. For more information contact Bob Bonifas at (715) 346-6985 or by email at bob.bonifas@sentry.com or go to Sentry.com.