National Fire Prevention Week is an annual awareness campaign to educate Americans about fire prevention. This year’s campaign focuses on three steps to take in order to reduce the risk of fire:

LOOK for places fires could start: Take a comprehensive look around your business. Identify potential fire hazards, particularly your heating system and any kitchen facilities, and make sure you have adequate fire extinguishing equipment. Furthermore, pay close attention to appliances that have heating elements and make sure their piping and connections are new and maintained.

LISTEN for the sound of a smoke alarm: You could have only seconds to escape safely once a smoke alarm sounds, so don’t waste any time. Your life is more important than the email you’re finishing or the phone you can’t find. Nothing related to work is more important than your safety. In preparation for fires, make sure that all employees are aware of the seriousness of this alert, and have fire drills once per quarter.

LEARN two ways out of every room: Make sure all doors and windows leading outside are unlocked, open easily and are free of clutter. A disorganized office space is not only unsightly, but also potentially deadly. Fire Marshal Codes are to be adhered to and constantly checked in all office spaces to ensure all exits are accessible and no one is boxed in.

Cotton’s consultants can help your business reduce its risk of fire and other potential disasters. And if the worst does happens, we can help get you back in business in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. Contact us when disaster strikes or to work on your business continuity plan to be prepared for any emergency: 877-511-2962.