How to Protect Your Business from Fire

The risk of fire in the municipal workplace is a serious concern, both from a property loss and an injury hazard standpoint. Even if a fire injures no employees or building occupants, the disruption to municipal services can be considerable and important information can be lost.

Each year in the U.S., 70-80,000 workplaces—including many in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama—experience a serious fire. About 200 employees per year die in these fires and another 5,000 are injured. Property losses from workplace fires exceed $2.5 billion annually.

Contact State Systems today to learn how you can protect your business, employees, and vital assets.

How Safe is Your Business?

Just how safe is your business? Consider the following questions:

• Are fire extinguishers up to date? (Should have a date stamped that is less than a year old)
• Are fire extinguishers mounted properly and free of obstructions? (Should be between 4 and 60” from floor and nothing with a radius 36” of the extinguisher)
• Is the hood system inspected and up to date? (Required to be inspected twice a year—date tag should be less than 6 months old)
• Are sprinkler heads free from obstruction?
• Are fire doors properly working and free from obstruction?
• Are rolling fire door/shutters tested annually?
• Do you have an adequate number of fire extinguishers? (They should be placed so travel distance does not exceed 75 feet or where there is a significant hazardous area to protect, such as kitchens).
• Are exit doors clearly marked, illuminated, and free from obstruction? (They are required to be identified with signs that are internally or externally illuminated).
• Are all exit doors unlocked?
• Are all exits well-lit?
• Are all electrical plates and outlets free from exposed wiring?
• Are extension cords used properly?
• Are electrical panels kept clear—at least 36 inches from storage?
• Are gas cylinders secured to prevent tipping?
• Are fire lanes clearly posted and marked?
• Are combustibles kept a safe distance from any heat source?
• Are flammable liquids properly used and stored?
• Are employees trained in fire safety and able to use a fire extinguisher?
• Are fire drills conducted frequently?
• Are employees aware of the location of fire extinguishers and exit doors?
• Are safety issues enforced at all times?
• Do you have a fire safety plan in place?
• Are employees trained in this plan?
• Are hazardous materials properly labeled?
• Are hazardous materials properly stored and disposed of?
• Is propane used and stored properly?

Every “yes” response indicates a positive, fire-safe scenario. A “no” response, however, indicates a potential fire hazard that needs to be addressed and corrected by a reliable, trusted fire safety service provider. Call State Systems at 901-531-6550 for fire safety tips or to schedule fire system maintenance service in TN, AR, or MS.

Why Choose State Systems?

State Systems is the No. 1 fire protection company in the Memphis metro area. Known for our family-owned leadership, we stand by our commitment to integrity and respect, offering competitive pricing and excellent customer service. Our service technicians are licensed professionals who take pride in arriving on time to scheduled appointments to provide the best in fire protection services.

Click here to learn why Mid-South businesses have trusted State Systems with safeguarding their facilities for over 25 years.