Winter brings fun and festivities with the holidays, which for warehouses means increased inventory and increased fire risk. The holiday season is hectic and busy for warehouses, but you should not let your fire protection fall through the cracks. Preventing fires and protecting your property from the costly and dangerous effects of fires is of utmost importance. Increased use of heat during the winter months, unusual staffing schedules, frozen pipes, and increased inventory and waste are all circumstances that put your warehouse at an increased risk of fire. Keep reading for some tips on how to protect your warehouse property from fire and contact Marco Protection Systems LLC today for fire protection services.
1. Inspect and Test all of Your Fire Protection Equipment
If your warehouse has a fire protection system already in place, it most likely includes a fire alarm system and fire extinguishers. Depending on the type of products and materials your warehouse stores, you may also have a sprinkler system or a fire suppression system. It’s important to have these protections in place throughout your property. However, these systems will not actually protect you if they are not in working order; therefore, it is crucial to have your fire alarm system, fire extinguishers, sprinkler system, or fire suppression system inspected and tested on a regular basis. Fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and fire suppression systems are required to be tested and inspected at intervals laid out by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards 10 and 72, as well as your local fire codes. Marco Protection Systems, LLC provides fire protection equipment testing and inspection services for your fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and fire suppression systems as required by the NFPA and local municipality fire codes. This is especially important during winter when pipes have the potential to freeze and render your sprinkler system ineffective. Regular inspections and tests can keep your protection systems in working order and ready to activate if a fire is detected.
2. Install any Missing Fire Protection Equipment
If you happen to not have the fire protection equipment mentioned above, you should contact Marco Protection Systems, LLC today to discuss your fire protection systems design and installation as soon as possible. The best way to mitigate the costly and potentially dangerous effects of fire in your warehouse is to have a working fire protection system. Not only do these systems give your employees crucial time to escape a fire, but they reduce the potential damage a fire can do by alerting authorities faster and extinguishing fires before they can destroy your entire warehouse inventory. In addition, the fire protection equipment listed above is mandatory depending on the size and type of warehouse you own. Marco can help you navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of fire protection services and help you determine the right fire protection equipment for your warehouse.
3. Use Safe Inventory Storage Methods
Although fire protection systems are great at reducing the negative impacts of a fire, they do not necessarily prevent a fire from occurring. In order to prevent a fire from starting in your warehouse this holiday season, start practicing safe inventory storage methods right now. One of the biggest hazards during the holiday season is the increased inventory. This leads to overcrowding and accumulation of waste. However, these habits are some of the riskiest for your warehouse. It’s important to establish safe habits like keeping sprinkler heads clear of products, leaving space between pallets, and regularly eliminating cardboard waste.
4. Create a Fire Safety Plan
In the event a fire occurs, it is important that you are prepared with a fire safety plan to protect your warehouse, inventory, and workforce. A proper fire safety plan will include preventative strategies like:
- Keeping spaces uncluttered by both inventory and waste to allow for safe fire exit
- Checking electrical systems for proper function and eliminating faulty cords
- Prohibiting smoking
- Keeping the HVAC heating system up to date and prohibit the use of portable heaters
- A safety plan will also include procedures to follow if a fire is detected like an evacuation plan and how to use a fire extinguisher.
- Train your Workforce on Fire Safety
In order to do this, you need to have the cooperation of your employees. Meet with your employees (especially seasonal workers) and communicate the fire safety plan for your warehouse. Employees should practice the evacuation procedures as well as how to properly use fire protection equipment, such as fire extinguishers. Marco Protection Systems, LLC can help organize and teach fire safety training and workshops to make sure your staff is prepared in the event of an unexpected fire this winter season. Contact Marco today for more details on fire protection services, equipment, and training.
5. Train your Workforce on Fire Safety
In order to do this, you need to have the cooperation of your employees. Meet with your employees (especially seasonal workers) and communicate the fire safety plan for your warehouse. Employees should practice the evacuation procedures as well as how to properly use fire protection equipment, such as fire extinguishers. Marco Protection Systems, LLC can help organize and teach fire safety training and workshops to make sure your staff is prepared in the event of an unexpected fire this winter season. Contact Marco today for more details on fire protection services, equipment, and training.