Top 5 Fire Safety Tips for Commercial Businesses

When was the last time you reviewed your business's fire safety plan?

In recent years, 110,000 nonresidential fires have occurred in the United States, resulting in billions of dollars in damage. Whether you run a retail shop, office, or manufacturing facility, fire safety isn’t optional.

Here are five essential fire safety tips to help keep your team, property, and business safe.

1. Create and Implement a Fire Evacuation Plan

Nearly every municipality and county requires your business to have a fire evacuation plan. Take these steps in creating one and putting it into action:

• You must enlist a local fire marshal to assess your property's fire risk and help you create a fire prevention plan
• If you have an office or retail store, use NFPA handbooks and guides on fire safety codes to prepare your commercial business to be fire prevention compliant
• Form an emergency committee to lead planning and communication
• Make your plan inclusive for disabled employees as outlined in the ADA Best Practices Tool Kit
• Mark and light all exits clearly, and post evacuation maps in stairwells, elevators, and common areas
• Train employees on all evacuation routes and procedures

2. Test & Inspect Fire Safety Devices

Before activating your fire safety system, your provider should conduct a full system check, including:

• Testing the ​fire alarm panel and input/output signals
• Inspecting backup batteries and fuses
• Verifying detector sensitivity and sprinkler readiness

From there, regularly inspect and test your commercial fire alarm system, as well as the corresponding standard equipment, including:

• Smoke alarms
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Sprinkler systems

Inspecting and testing this equipment is not optional. Dead batteries, sensor errors, or electrical issues can delay emergency response, cause more damage, and violate local fire codes.

Also, routine inspections can help prevent:

• False alarms caused by battery issues or outdated detectors
• Employee anxiety and interrupted workflow
• Legal penalties and fines
• Potential lawsuits and insurance claim complications

A reputable fire safety provider, such as General Security, can save time and unnecessary costs by helping to select and install optimal fire safety devices and technologies that comply with regulations. Our options also include energy-efficient smart technologies, like smart smoke and heat detectors. These enhancements can:

• Instantly detect abnormal rises in heat and smoke
• Send real-time alerts to your phone via platforms like the Alarm.com app
• Shut down HVAC systems to automatically slow the spread of smoke
• Alert employees of danger and help in guiding an evacuation

Regardless of the options you select, our team will conduct regular testing, inspections, and maintenance to ensure your property is in compliance with local fire codes.

For added peace of mind, should an emergency occur, our 24/7 Central Station Monitoring will immediately dispatch first responders to your location, whether you’re onsite or not.

3. Conduct Periodic Fire & Safety Drills

Preparation is the key to ensuring the safety and well-being of your team. Regular practices help:

• Employees become familiar with emergency exits, safe zones, and evacuation routes
• Evaluate communication systems in emergencies
• Identify and fix bottlenecks and obstacles
• Ensure fire safety devices are functional and comply with safety regulations
• Confirm that emergency kits, first aid supplies, and backup lighting are accessible and fully stocked
• Reduce panic, improve response, and boost confidence

4. Watch for Electrical Hazards

Electrical issues are a leading cause of commercial fires, making preventative practices essential. Here are some ways to mitigate electrical hazards:

• Inspect electrical equipment regularly
• Check wires, plugs, outlets, and devices for damage, fraying, or signs of overheating
• Do not overload power strips or outlets by plugging in too many devices, which can cause electrical surges and overheating
• Use correct plugs and outlets (never force a two-prong plug into a three-prong outlet or vice versa)
• Avoid relying on extension cords for permanent power needs
• Keep electronics away from sinks, water, and heat sources to prevent shocks and overheating
• Work with your local fire marshal and fire safety providers to ensure your electrical systems comply with municipal fire codes and safety standards

While common fire prevention and safety devices include smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, commercial businesses must also have fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler systems.

5. Establish Fire Safety Rules Within Kitchens
& Common Areas

It’s especially important to implement and enforce strict fire safety rules in kitchens and shared spaces. Those rules may include:

• Always switch off, unplug, and safely store appliances like coffee makers, toasters, and microwaves after use
• For appliances, avoid overloading outlets or using damaged cords
• Maintain proper ventilation in all cooking areas and rooms that store flammable items or chemicals
• Position fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, indoor sprinklers, and carbon monoxide detectors near stoves, ovens, and high-risk appliances
• Regularly check and maintain appliances to avoid accidental fires

Keeping Your Business Safe & Sound

Make safety your top priority for your team, assets, and workplace, and take steps to prevent fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide hazards. General Security will assist you in integrating effective fire prevention and safety technologies into your commercial security system. Request a free quote from us today.