Fire can be one of the most devastating events for any business or building in Texas. Fire can cause significant damage, but with some preparation, it can be prevented or, at the very least, mitigated. From things like sealing the doors to the entrances to buying dry chemical extinguishers in Fort Worth, TX, here are some different ways people can prepare their home or business in case of a fire:
- Ensure That You Have at Least One Fire Extinguisher Nearby
If residents have a fire extinguisher nearby, ensure it is properly charged and ready to use. Having dry chemical extinguishers in Fort Worth, TX, can get the job done in no time. Meanwhile, fire extinguishers should be used only when the surrounding area is cool enough to touch.
If residents don’t have an appropriate extinguisher on site, call 911 immediately. But, people should have at least one fire extinguisher near each exit in the building—in case of an emergency, this should be enough to get everyone out safely. Large fires have been known to consume apartment buildings in Fort Worth in minutes, so it’s better to stay prepared in case of the worst.
- Ensure That All Doors and Windows Are Shut Tight and Sealed
The most important action that needs to be done is to ensure all doors and windows are shut tight and sealed. If they aren’t, the fire can spread quickly if it gets inside the building. Residents also want to ensure that there are no combustible materials near any heating or cooling vents, especially since Texas summers are so hot! Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Prevention in Fort Worth has specific rules and regulations that all workspaces and buildings must follow to mitigate or reduce the risk of damage caused by fires. Buildings in Fort Worth can also request a safety check from the department to ensure that their workspace is fitted and primed to the maximum regarding fire safety and prevention.
- Ensure That the Alarm System Is Working
Ensuring the alarm system is properly functioning is crucial to preventing a fire from spreading. The alarms should be tested at least once a month, and residents should test them more often if there are any major construction projects in the building. Once a year, they should test the alarms after any significant renovation project to ensure they continue to work as expected.
Tests can help identify any system problems and ensure it works effectively even when an alarm is triggered by accident or on its own.
- Keep Emergency Numbers Nearby
Residents should also have an emergency contact list near the phone. This list should include the numbers for the insurance company, fire marshal, local police department, and building maintenance service. These are all people that they may need to call after a fire or another emergency occurs. And if they don’t have a dedicated landline in the office, it is essential to ensure that everyone knows how to reach each other on their cell phones.
- Install Sprinklers or a Waterless Extinguishing System
One of the best ways to extinguish a fire is by installing sprinklers. They are more effective than waterless extinguishing systems because they can be used on all types of fires, including flammable liquids. However, they must be maintained regularly to function properly when needed. And if residents decide not to install sprinklers or a waterless extinguishing system and instead opt for something else like dry chemical extinguishers (generally easier for homeowners to use), make sure that they have an adequate number of them available. Hence, everyone knows where they’re kept and how they work before any emergency arises.
