If you're in the process of renovating your commercial building, now's the time to plan for fire safety. Fire safety is crucial to maintaining the safety of your employees and customers. Here are some tips that will help you ensure the safety of your commercial building.

Start With a Fire Suppression System

If your building doesn't currently include a fire suppression system, you need to make some changes. The best way to ensure the safety of your employees and customers is to have the right protection. A good commercial fire suppression system should include ceiling sprinklers throughout the building. During a fire, your sprinklers will come on and apply water to the affected area. The right suppression system will also include plenty of alarms. These alarms should include both smoke and fire alarms. Having both types of alarms will ensure that your employees and customers have sufficient time to evacuate the area.  Finally, your fire suppression system should include fire extinguishers in each room of the building. That way, your employees have access to the tools they need to extinguish small fires. If your company utilizes a variety of materials, be sure to have the proper extinguishers. A company like Echo Fire Protection can help ensure that your building is protected.

Ensure Accessible Exit Locations

Once your business is up and running, you'll need to make sure that your customers and employees can exit safely in the event of a fire. The best way to do that is to ensure that your building has accessible exit locations. 

Doors

When it comes to ensuring that your customers and employees can safely exit the building during a fire, the first thing you need to do is keep the path to exit doors clear. It's also important that you clearly label each exit door. Installing emergency lamps near each door will ensure that exits are visible at all times. 

Windows

If you plan to have windows that are designed to open and shut, take steps to make them accessible. First, ensure that any screens or locking mechanisms can be removed or unlocked easily during an emergency. Next, avoid placing large furniture items in front of the windows. Those large items can make escape difficult. 

Provide Monthly Training Exercises

Once you and your employees have moved back into the building and you're open for business again, you'll need to provide monthly training exercises. These training exercises should include evacuation practice as well as the proper use of office fire extinguishers. If possible, ask your local fire department to come by and provide additional emergency training for your employees.