Preventing fire losses

Businesses sometimes spend a lot of money on elaborate security or alarm systems designed to protect their facilities but overlook the basics of loss prevention. Take a few moments to review these tips from the Insurance Information Institute for preventing fire losses:

• Are employees trained in fire safety? Do they know exactly what to do if a fire starts? Extra training is needed for those responsible for storage areas, housekeeping, maintenance and operations.
• Do you have the right size, type and number of fire extinguishers, serviced and tagged annually? Do employees know where they are and how to use them?
• Is your electrical system up-to-date? Faulty wiring causes a large percentage of nonresidential fires. Review your use of extension cords.
• Have you situated your business in a fire-resistant building-- a structure of noncombustible materials with firewalls (self-supporting solid walls running the full width and height of the building) that create barriers to the spread of fires?
• Do you have a fire alarm system connected to the local fire department or an alarm company?
• Does your building have a sprinkler system? Is it serviced, including a main drain test, at least annually? Your insurance company, alarm company or local fire department can assist you in choosing the most appropriate type of system.
• Have smoke detectors been installed and are they regularly tested?

For more information on insurance for your business, contact the program manager for GlassInsure, NGA’s sponsored insurance program, at 800/640-7601.