Owning a business is tough. You have put your heart and soul into building your company. The last thing you want is for a fire to destroy it all.
As a business owner in New Mexico, fire is a real threat you need to take seriously. Don’t learn these safety lessons the hard way. Follow these common sense fire prevention tips to protect your livelihood.
Educate Your Team
Your employees are your best defense against fires. They know your workplace inside and out. Get them fully involved in fire safety.
Make sure your team knows:
- What causes fires
- How to prevent fires
- What to do if a fire starts
Train them on using fire extinguishers. Show them all emergency exits. Regular fire drills are a must.
Empower your crew to spot hazards. Have them let you know about any fire risks they find. Little problems can become big ones if ignored.
Install Fire Alarms and Sprinklers
Fire extinguishers only do so much. For real protection, you need fire suppression systems.
Fire alarms detect smoke and sound the evacuation notice. Sprinkler systems douse flames automatically.
Follow all New Mexico fire codes. Have professionals inspect your systems regularly. Outdated or faulty systems cannot keep your business safe.
Post a Fire Escape Plan
Panic is deadly during fires. People get confused and disoriented by smoke.
Post simple floor plans showing two ways out of every room. Go over the fire escape plan whenever you have new hires.
Make sure exits are clearly marked and free of obstructions. Hold practice drills to test your plan.
Help Disabled Employees
Some of your team may have trouble getting out quickly – folks with mobility issues or disabilities.
Find out if any of your workers need assistance evacuating. Make plans to have them safely helped out during real fires.
Select Extinguisher Volunteers
Fully evacuating takes time. Fire extinguishers can help in the first critical minutes.
Ask a few employees to volunteer as extinguisher responders. Train them on proper use. They can buy precious evacuation time.
Post Emergency Contacts
Seconds count during fires. Quick access to emergency help is critical.
Post key contact info by every phone and exit. Include 911, fire department, medical, and utilities.
Keep Electrical Panels Clear
Electrical fires are deadly and fast spreading. Employees need instant access to circuit breakers to cut power.
Never block electrical panels. Make sure they remain completely free of any stored materials or equipment.
Follow Building Occupancy Limits
Exceeding occupancy limits risks lives and violates fire codes. Know your legal limits.
Count employees carefully. Limit access when maximums are reached. Safety comes before profits.
Encourage Good Housekeeping
Clutter fuels fires. Limited exits hamper escape and rescue.
Insist employees keep work areas clean and free of trip hazards. Provide enough storage space.
Ban Indoor Smoking
Careless smoking the #1 cause of fatal fires. Prohibit indoor smoking completely.
Allow smoking only in designated outdoor areas with ash trays and sand buckets provided. Ban smoking near flammables.
Supervise Cooking Areas
Kitchen and break room fires happen all the time. Never leave cooking unattended even for a minute.
Enforce rules on use of ovens, stoves, toasters, microwaves, etc. Keep appliances clean and well maintained.
Store Chemicals Safely
Industrial chemicals are flammable. Handle them with extreme care.
Provide proper ventilation and storage. Never put chemicals near ignition sources or exits. Follow all safety protocols.
Secure The Premises
Arsonists look for easy targets. Keep doors locked and monitor access.
Watch for people lurking around. Report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Tips For Your Team
Get employees fully invested in fire safety. It protects their lives too.
Ask them to:
- Memorize the evacuation plan and alternative exits
- Know the location of fire alarms and extinguishers
- Avoid overloading outlets or using damaged power cords
- Keep work areas clutter-free
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Smoke only in designated outdoor areas
- Report spilled chemicals or other hazards immediately
- Watch for suspicious persons on the property
Protect Your Business
You put your heart and soul into your company. Don’t lose it all due to a preventable fire.
Make fire drills and training part of your regular routine. Install reliable suppression systems. Stay diligent each day.
Following these tips takes effort but pays off. Your hard work building your business is worth protecting.