How to Prepare Your Business for a Fire

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

How to Fire-Ready Your Company

This article might be a bit of a downer, but it's an important one. Fires happen every day, and if you don't know what to do during one, your business could be at risk. Additionally, there are people with disabilities who might need greater assistance due to limited mobility. Let's go over some steps you can take to prepare your business for fire—and why they're so important!

1. Know where all fire extinguishers are located and how to use them.

When you're in a building, it's important to know where all fire extinguishers are located. If there is a fire, you need to be able to use one as quickly as possible.

When you're in a building, it's also important to know how each type of fire extinguisher works. For example, there are different kinds of fires that require different types of extinguishers: electrical fires require CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers; kitchen grease fires require ABC (alkaline) extinguishers; and combustible flammable liquids like gasoline or oil call for water-based foam.

2. Make sure each employee knows where the fire exits are and the different routes to the nearest exit.

• Know how to use emergency exit signs and know how to use fire sprinkler system, fire alarm system.

3. Have an established meeting area for employees during a fire emergency.

If you have employees, it's important that they know where to go in case of a fire emergency. This will ensure that everyone is accounted for and safe. The meeting place should be outside the building or near an exit, preferably on a wide-open street or driveway where there aren't any obstacles blocking people from exiting the building quickly. It should also be away from any windows or other areas that may catch fire if there is an explosion or other type of damage to your business building. A good idea would be to designate two meeting places—one inside and one outside of your building—and inform all employees about them so they can get out safely no matter what happens during the emergency at hand. It's also helpful if you have someone designated as "leader" who will make sure everyone knows how to get out safely before evacuating themselves; this person could help coordinate efforts among coworkers, so they don't end up lost while trying to evacuate.

4. Review safety procedures on a regular basis.

The final step in the process is to review safety procedures on a regular basis. This should be done at least quarterly, and ideally it will be conducted with all employees present so that everyone’s up to date with their responsibilities. It should also take place in a safe environment where people can express themselves freely (for example, you don’t want to do this during an emergency). While it might seem like a good idea for just managers or high-ranking staff members to conduct this review, we recommend including all employees from the get-go so that they have an opportunity to ask questions about what they need clarity on before an incident occurs.

In addition, make sure that safety procedures are updated regularly and reflect changes in technology as well as industry practices over time—this ensures that your company is prepared for any type of fire situation!

5. Implement a safe evacuation procedure, based on an analysis of your workplace.

A fire evacuation procedure is a set of instructions that allow you to evacuate your workplace safely and quickly. It should be based on an analysis of the layout of your business, including all exits (including stairwells and fire escapes), corridors, waiting areas, storage rooms and other areas that employees may need to use during an evacuation.

To create a safe evacuation procedure:

• Review the layout of your business using an architectural plan or floor plan drawings
• Identify all possible exits from every room in the building – this includes exit doors, windows and internal stairs/ladders leading from floor to floor; walkways outside; fire escapes; smoke doors or other escape routes
• Make sure everyone knows where these exits are located – you can use maps with different colored arrows clearly pointing out each exit point 
• Ensure that all staff know what route they will take if there's ever an emergency at work

6. Make sure employees know how to sound the alarm and what alarms mean.

When the alarm sounds, your employees should know exactly what to do. If they don't, you could be in big trouble. A fire can spread quickly, and people need to know how to react when one breaks out.

The first thing your employees should do is make sure everyone else knows about the fire as well. The best way to do this is by using an intercom system or alarm. This will ensure that everyone hears about it before anything else happens.

7. Ensure that employees with physical disabilities are not excluded from your fire emergency plan

You may have already started to think about your fire safety plan and the steps you would take in case of a fire. If not, now's the time to do it.

Fire safety is important for everyone, but if you have employees with physical disabilities, you will need to make sure that they are included in your emergency plans, so they are prepared in case of an emergency. This means making sure that your plan covers all possible situations, such as an evacuation route (or multiple evacuation routes) and specific accommodations for those who use mobility devices or other assistive technologies.

In addition to this, employers should make sure there are adequate resources available on-site during an emergency so that people with disabilities can evacuate safely with their colleagues. If possible, include a section on how staff members should communicate effectively with their coworkers who use sign language or another form of communication which requires additional support from coworkers when needed during an emergency.

Takeaway: Have a game plan before disaster hits.

The first step to ensuring your business continuity is to have a plan in place. While it may seem like common sense, it's so important that it bears repeating: you need to create a fire evacuation plan for your employees and any visitors. If you don't have one, speak with your insurance agent about what steps you can take now to get started on one.

Once you’ve created the plan, practice it regularly and make sure everyone knows what they're supposed to do if there's an emergency. There are many times when businesses prepare as much as possible but still find themselves unprepared during an actual crisis because they couldn’t adequately train staff members once the time came.

Finally, remain vigilant about maintaining compliance with all local rules and regulations regarding smoke alarms—no matter where in the world your building is located or how old the building may be!

The last thing you want to worry about during a fire emergency is whether your employees know what to do and how to do it. The best thing you can do is create an emergency plan with your team, and make sure everyone knows their role in the event of an emergency. It’s also important to have drills so that everyone knows exactly what they’re supposed to do when something goes wrong in your business or home.

3 Ways To Know That You Might Have a Leaky Supply Line

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Three Ways To Know That You Might Have a Leaky Supply Line

A leaking pipe at your business in Fort Collins, CO, can be caused by a number of things. Rust, poor installation, or frozen water are all signs that a supply line is leaking, leading to a pipe burst. Often, there are signs that you can see that indicate a problem before the pipe actually bursts, and you have a major water cleanup job on hand. Keep an eye out to catch a leaking supply line before it becomes a problem.

1. Increasing Water Bills
If you haven't significantly increased your company's water usage, then a sudden increase in your water bills may indicate a leak. A supply line leaking will drive your water cost up because there is always water flowing. Have a plumber come for an inspection to control the water costs and resolve problems that could lead to a major pipe burst cleanup job.

2. Changes in Water Pressure
A pipe that is frozen or leaking will not be able to provide the same amount of water pressure as a problem-free pipe. You may notice that sinks and toilets are slow to drain or that they clog easily. This could be due to decreased water pressure caused by a leaking supply line. The increased pressure of the pipes trying to do their job could lead to a pipe bursting.

3. Discovery of Water Damage
Standing water is usually a strong indicator that you have a problem. Pipe burst cleanup should be handled by a professional water restoration company. There are different categories of water that can come from a burst pipe, and you want to be careful when dealing with potentially contaminated water. Water marks on ceilings and walls are other indicators that you have a leak. A professional team can use this information to evaluate the extent of the problem and help you restore your business.
Pipe burst cleanup is usually extensive and expensive, so keep an eye out for signs of leaking pipes. The sooner you can catch the problem, the better off your business will be.

How a Fire Restoration Company Can Help Your Business Recover From a Fire

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Board up services in a commercial building in Fort Collins, CO.

How Can a Fire Restoration Company Assist Your Business After a Fire?

After a fire at your business in Fort Collins, CO, you want to resume normal operations as soon as possible. Choose a fire damage restoration service capable of handling the following tasks to ensure your business's full recovery.

Immediate Attention
Disaster can strike at any time, but you should not delay the recovery process. Reputable restoration services ensure their teams of experts arrive at the scene of a commercial fire to offer assistance at any time of day or night.

A Thorough and Formal Property Inspection
Before restoration teams can begin fire, mold, soot and smoke cleanup, they should thoroughly inspect each aspect of your physical property to determine the extent of the damage. After completing this step, you should receive a formal written assessment discussing the findings with a work recommendation.

Assistance With Your Insurance Provider
A fire restoration company can help you document and convey evidence your insurance provider needs to process your claim, including:

• Photographic evidence 
  
• Official fire department reports
  
• Witness statements
  
  

Mold Mediation
The consequences of a fire at your business extend beyond damage from flames. For example, firefighters at the scene must use hoses that douse the fire with large volumes of water, soaking your business's walls, ceilings, furnishings, electronics, paper records and other property. In addition, a fire damage restoration company should undertake urgent drying measures to prevent mold spores from developing and spreading through your space. 

Property Security
Your business remains vulnerable to theft, vandalism and trespassing until you reoccupy it. First, however, you should look for a restoration company that can erect security fencing to prevent further damage that your insurance provider will not cover.

Cleaning and Restoration
A critical aspect of fire restoration involves soot and smoke cleanup. Experienced restoration crews employ specialized methods and treatments to remove lingering smoke odors and soot particles that attach to porous surfaces and fibers. 
Choose a fire damage restoration service capable of providing the vital assistance you need to continue operating your business in Fort Collins, CO, as soon as possible after a commercial fire.

How To Prevent Mold Damage in Your Commercial Building

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Use a moisture meter to monitor the humidity within the property.

Prevent Mold Damage in Your Commercial Building

Whether you own a large commercial building or a small store, you do not want mold to spread unabated throughout your Fort Collins, CO, property. Mold growth can occur anywhere, including

• Above ceiling tiles
  
• Inside walls
  
• Around pipes
  
  

If an infestation occurs, you may have to temporarily close your building while experts perform mold cleanup and remediation. This shutdown could cost you a lot of money. Luckily, there are some simple ways to avoid extensive mold problems. Since the fungus thrives in wet areas, most mold prevention tips involve limiting water damage.

Addressing Water Issues

Start by surveying your property for signs of leaks. Plug those leaks immediately before they cause further harm.
You may also want to waterproof parts of your property. This could be expensive, but a mold infestation would be even more costly.
Pay special attention to sections of your building that are prone to flooding. If a flood does occur, have the water removed within a day or two.

Reducing Moisture

Mold does not only spread following a major water damage. Even everyday moisture can encourage the growth of this harmful fungus. If your property uses stoves or dryers that create moisture, make sure those appliances are vented properly. You may also want to run an exhaust fan or open a window when these items are in use.
Indoor humidity is another common cause of mold growth. The humidity level inside your building should be no more than 60 percent. Use a moisture meter to monitor the humidity within the property.
Condensation is often a sign of excess humidity. Any drops of moisture on pipes or windows should thus be dried immediately.
To prevent mold in your building, you should reduce the excess moisture throughout your property. You should also clean up any water damage immediately. While the above tips will not completely eradicate the mold inside your building, they should prevent the fungus from becoming a major issue.

5 Answers to Questions About Fire Damage

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

What's The Difference Between Mitigation and Restoration

What's the difference between mitigation and restoration? Should you hire a "one-stop" company or look for several different service providers in Fort Collins, CO, to handle fire damage? What does your insurance cover? The time to get answers to these questions is before your business is affected by disaster, so you're ready to take quick action at the first signs of trouble.

1. What is mitigation?

Fire mitigation services cover those basic steps necessary to prevent further losses. These services may include:

• Boarding up windows
  
• Tacking down tarps on the roof
  
• Reinforcing structures with short-term fixes
  
• Extracting water
  
  

The work completed by damage mitigation companies is often done quickly and are generally only for temporary purposes.

2. How are restoration services different?

Restoration services kick in after fire damage mitigation work finishes. These experts take over the tasks of repairing buildings and property, rebuilding structures for long-term safety, and combatting the results of water damage, such as mold.

3. Are other professional services necessary?

Depending on who you hire to take care of the damages following a fire, you may need someone to haul away furnishings and construction materials that are damaged beyond repair. You may also need professionals who are trained in cleaning and decontaminated furnishings that have absorbed smoke smells.

4. Which professionals should you hire?

You could contact two separate services to handle this work. The benefit of doing this is that the workers may excel within their niche of work. However, many business owners have found that a "one-stop" service provider is easier to work with. These fire damage mitigation and restoration professionals may work closely with your insurance adjuster from start to end. Their emergency response treatments work well with long-term repairs. Financing is easier to handle.

5. Which services does your insurance cover?

Contact your insurance provider for information about available coverage. You may find that your provider prefers a specific mitigation and restoration company in Fort Collins, CO. You could also get information about business interruption coverage. Many insurance companies offer resources for preventing disasters.