A Fire Drill Is Literally the Difference Between Life and Death

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

A true emergency is a rare event for businesses in Slaughterville, OK. However, some OSHA regulations may require that a company be prepared to react in case a serious event, such as a fire, flood or severe weather, requires an evacuation. On top of the regulations, if someone is injured or killed on your property – even if you just lease it – you can be held accountable, especially if you were negligent in your duties to protect lives. One of the best ways you can prepare for a disaster is to hold a fire drill.

Evacuations May Be Required for Several Disasters

During certain events, such as a tornado, you may be required to shelter-in-place. However, other hazards will require immediate evacuation, including

• Fire
  
• Flood
  
• Toxic chemicals and gases
  
  

All emergencies that need evacuation require very rapid action and advanced preparations. However, of the likely hazards, fire is probably the most immediate. A small flame can grow exponentially once it’s become established. In one nightclub fire, the flames went from concerning to fatal within about 90 seconds, leaving 100 people with no time to evacuate, thanks to a deadly event called a flashover. Fire investigators said that most of those lives could have been saved if the management had held the required evacuation drills – and some went to prison for their lapse.

Designate One Person to Develop an Evacuation Plan

The most effective way to ensure employee and customer safety is to choose one responsible team member to create an emergency reaction plan. With some brief research, they can ensure that at least one employee is always on duty who knows how to quickly evacuate the premises. A single fire drill once a month – a few minutes’ time – has frequently been the difference between life and death.
Once a fire or flood damage has struck your building, first make sure everyone is safe, then contact a local fire damage cleanup company to inspect the building for safety hazards, tarp exposed areas and start the restoration process. They’ll help you with insurance claims and get your business back on track.