Why Do Businesses Need Fire Drills at Work?
Preparation drives an effective response to workplace fires. A workplace that practices fire drills leads to more calm, quick, and safe employees in an unforeseen emergency.
Bedford, TX’s fire damage restoration company and commercial cleaning service SERVPRO of Hurst-Euless-Bedford has created a list of reasons why fire drills are vital to every workplace, along with tips to perform them smoothly.
People tend to scramble during emergencies, as emotions run high and a present threat becomes imminent. Fire drills allow staff to practice orderly evacuation in a simulated situation so that everyone knows how to safely exit the building – even while everyone is moving at once.
The more knowledgeable staff becomes with the drill procedure, the greater chance everyone leaves the building safely. Engaging in frequent fire drills allows everyone to calmly review the steps, helping alleviate some panic during an actual fire. Any hiccups observed during the exercise can be nipped in the bud and practiced over the subsequent drills.
Frequency of Drills
A business needs to conduct fire drills once per year at a minimum. Fire restoration companies and firefighters alike recommend a biannual fire drill, so the concept does not seem foreign, and the procedure sticks in everyone’s mind. Because of potential ramifications, all employers must record each exercise.
Inform Your Staff Before the Drill
No law states fire drills have to be surprised, and informing staff beforehand makes everyone more likely to attend.
Some fire damage restoration professionals attest that surprising staff with a drill leads to a more authentic experience. The best way to gauge which option to use is by asking staff and getting their takes on the situation.
What to Do During a Drill
To get the most out of the drill, employers should do the following:
- Time the exercise: Record the time it takes for everyone to leave the building and group at the assembly points. This lets you know if the procedure takes too long, allowing you to find new ways to quicken the process.
- Observe: Because of the infrequent nature of fire drills, employers should use each as an opportunity to gauge the process’ effectiveness.
- Keep Records: List when exercises happen and all the people involved in each drill. Fire Safety Inspectors may drop in on you at any time, and you’ll want to be prepared.
In the event of an Actual Fire
Even if everyone is prepared, when a fire happens, damage still occurs. Automatic sprinklers likely kicked in, and the fire department may have hosed the whole building down. In these instances, building owners need a commercial fire and water damage restoration service specializing in mold removal and water cleanup.
When searching among water restoration companies, start with SERVPRO. SERVPRO of Hurst-Euless-Bedford has helped employers with commercial water damage for years and ranks among the top mold remediation companies. When you need emergency water restoration, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO.
Bedford, TX’s, Premier Fire Damage Restoration Company: SERVPRO
Regardless of how much a workplace prepares, business owners cannot remove the possibility of a fire. SERVPRO is ready to jump in and save the day whenever a fire occurs.
If you need fire damage restoration done quickly, affordably, and effectively in Bedford, TX, contact Team Shaw of SERVPRO of Hurst-Euless-Bedford at (817) 595-0004 today.
