Wildfires are a frequent and serious threat across the United States, capable of devastating entire businesses in their path. For property owners, proactive fire protection measures are essential to safeguard assets and ensure the safety of employees. This checklist provides a comprehensive guide to preparing your organization for wildfire risks, covering steps to take before, during, and after a fire event.
Before a Fire
- Place fire extinguishers in strategic locations, especially near loading docks and waste collection areas. Inspect these fire extinguishers on a regular basis and ensure they are well-maintained.
- Train employees on fire safety, including how to use fire extinguishers properly. Teach employees about the importance of good housekeeping and maintenance.
- Consider installing a water tank or hoses in and around your building. These devices can help you control small fires until emergency personnel arrive.
- Create a buffer between your building and potential fire hazards. Remove dead plants and trees. For living vegetation, trim and space out trees and shrubs.
- Consider installing noncombustible roof coverings. This can include materials such as clay and concrete tile, slate, fiber cement, and metal shingles and panels. Also, consider using aluminum, steel, or copper gutters.
- Consider installing fire-resistant exterior wall cladding.
- Keep an eye on your local news and official fire announcements to help keep track of wildfires.
- Develop and implement plans for how you will communicate with employees and clients during a fire.
- Plan for how, when, and where to evacuate employees if a wildfire threat exists. You can do this by establishing an evacuation plan. Hold evacuation drills regularly so all employees are familiar with evacuation routes and routines.
- Keep emergency supplies on hand, including flashlights, battery-powered radios, extra batteries, first-aid kits, nonperishable foods, and bottled water.
- Back up important documents. Use fire-resistant safes to store sensitive documents, or move documents off-site altogether.
- Develop a business continuity plan.
- Establish relationships with contractors who can help you remediate the effects of a wildfire should one affect your property.
- Meet with your insurance agent to review your insurance policies and ensure you have the proper coverage in place.
During a Fire
- Adhere to all wildfire announcements and evacuation orders.
- Turn on all your interior lights. This can help improve visibility should your building fill with smoke.
- Close all doors and windows, but do not lock them. Shut off gas meters, pilot lights, and propane tanks.
- Shut down any air-handling systems.
- Go to your predetermined shelter area if you don’t have time to evacuate.
- Mark your position clearly so rescue workers can easily spot you.
After a Fire
- Check with local fire officials before returning to your facility.
- Assess the damage, taking photos as needed.
- Contact your insurance provider and insurance agent.
- Work with contractors to evaluate the cost of repairs. Prioritize these repairs, and check to see if your insurance covers any of the damages.
For more risk management guidance, contact your Leavitt Group insurance advisor.
