Each year there are over a million fires all over the US, and a vast majority of them are related to kitchens or cooking, putting restaurants at a substantially higher risk of catching fire.
These risks grow exponentially among the Sun belt states, and those with year-round hot and humid climate, like Florida, which sees an average of 4,000 wildfires each year, and is all set to witness record-breaking heat waves in the years ahead, putting it at a higher risk of accidental fires.
Stats like these make fire safety a top priority for restaurants in the state, and based on the guidelines by the US Fire Department, and the Florida State Fire Marshal, here are some best practices and safety tips to prevent, and minimize the impacts of a fire at restaurants in Florida.
When it comes to fire safety, the first thing that restaurants need to ensure is a robust fire alarm system that can detect runaway fires quickly, and ideally one that is connected to central station monitoring.
Operators should ensure that they engage trusted commercial and home fire safety experts, who remain well versed and in compliance with state, local, and insurance standards.
You can take fire safety beyond mere monitoring and to the next level with the use of fire suppression systems.
These are often expensive, and a cost benefit analysis is often called for, but for high-end restaurants, or those located inside malls, this is almost a prerequisite.
After installing the necessary tech, it's time to prepare and train your staff for such an eventuality. This includes educating the kitchen staff on the various fire hazards and their mitigation systems, along with knowledge of the fire monitoring or suppression systems in place.
Beyond this, the best way to instill fire safety into the hearts and minds of your restaurant staff is by conducting regular fire drills. This should be conducted at least once every quarter, and should include a systematic evacuation plan for the staff and guests.
Ensuring that exits are clear and unobstructed is critical in the event of a fire. This includes keeping aisles and corridors clear of clutter and ensuring that exits are not blocked by furniture or equipment.
Restaurants should further ensure that all exits are clearly marked and easily accessible, even for those with disabilities. If your restaurant is on the first floor or higher, there are a few other best practices for fire escape ladders that need to be adhered to.
Restaurants are constantly surrounded by fire hazards, but cooking oil and grease, and their handling often take the cake in this regard.
The best practice here includes storing cooking oil in a fire-resistant container, and properly and regularly disposing of grease to ensure that it doesn’t accumulate and turn into a fire hazard.
This is easier said than done, especially in a restaurant, where heat emanates from everywhere, and almost everything is flammable.
There are, however, ways of minimizing risks, and stopping the spread of fire by taking care of small things like ensuring that paper, cardboard, and cleaning supplies are protected, and stored far from the cooking area.
As temperatures continue to rise, fires will continue to become more frequent and deadly in the years ahead. The risks for restaurants in this regard are exponentially higher compared to other businesses and residences.
By adopting the right safety measures and practices, however, any such runaway fires can be nipped in the bud, before they can do any major harm. On the other hand, a well trained staff can ensure safety regulations are not flouted, and such eventualities don’t materialize in the first place.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here