How to secure your commercial property before and after an LA fire
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have caused unprecedented damage to homes, businesses, and landmarks, on a scale that’s hard to comprehend.
Thus far the fires have burned over 57,000 acres of land, destroyed 16,000+ structures, many of which were local businesses, and led to 28 deaths.
Financially, the estimated economic loss is $250 billion, which doesn’t include higher prices citizens and business owners will likely face as insurance rates and rental costs increase.
A disaster like this is impossible to predict or control, but for commercial property owners, being as prepared as possible can mean the difference between minimizing damage and losing everything.
Here are some practical steps to help ensure the safety of your staff and property.
Understand the fire risks in LA County and California
California, and particularly LA County, deals with the constant threat of wildfires. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), fire seasons have become more severe due to increasing temperatures, prolonged droughts, and heightened vegetation growth.
As a business owner, understanding these risks and how they can directly impact your physical property is vital for long-term planning. Being located near a fire-prone area requires vigilant awareness of threats like dry conditions, high winds, and proximity to excess flammable materials.
It’s essential to monitor local fire conditions and create contingency plans for potential evacuation or closure in case of a nearby fire.
You may also want to set up fire watch protocols, ensuring someone monitors conditions and reports any signs of danger. This can involve a combination of technology (such as fire detection alarms) and coordination with local fire services.
Tap into resources such as California fire lookouts
California fire lookouts are strategically located towers that provide 360-degree views of fire-prone areas, allowing trained observers to spot the first signs of smoke and report it to firefighting teams.
These early warnings can help mitigate damage to commercial properties and prevent loss of life. Business owners should familiarize themselves with the locations of fire lookouts in their areas and take advantage of the alerts they offer. One example is the Forest Fire Lookout Association.
Many local agencies offer fire notifications that can help businesses stay informed about potential risks, such as the California Environmental Protection Agency.
Stay up-to-date with the California Fire Code
The California Fire Code (CFC) is a critical guide for business owners to ensure that their properties meet state fire safety standards. This code includes detailed regulations on fire prevention, emergency evacuation, fire suppression systems, and electrical safety.
The CFC applies to both existing buildings and new construction, so it’s essential for business owners to regularly review their property’s compliance.
For business owners, understanding these codes is essential to know what’s required regarding sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and clear evacuation routes, especially in areas with high fire risks.
Ensuring compliance with the CFC not only enhances safety but also helps minimize the potential for business interruption due to a fire emergency.
For LA-specific requirements, check out the Los Angeles Fire Department website.
Protect yourself with the right system and tools
Prepare for the threats you face as well as your compliance responsibilities with corresponding fire alarm technology and support.
Utilizing the appropriate fire suppression system makes a difference, both in safety and limiting exposure to insurance complications.
For example, research on sprinkler systems performed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) revealed that sprinklers consistently reduce the impact of fires by limiting their spread and drastically lowering the death and injury rate.
The exact system you have will depend on many factors. Here’s an article that helps answer some basic questions when trying to figure out how to choose the fire alarm system that fits your needs.
Consider potential post-fire security issues
The impact of a serious fire can continue to be felt long after the flames have been extinguished.
The damage can significantly alter the surrounding landscape and result in ongoing security issues caused by abandoned property, damaged infrastructure, and depopulated neighborhoods.
These issues may require security tools that previously were not in place. For some businesses, that could mean surveillance cameras and virtual fence technology to monitor vacant lots and exposed outdoor areas.
Others may feel safer with in-person security agents to patrol grounds that previously had more operating businesses and foot traffic.
Business owners should weigh these unfortunate possibilities when strategically planning for the long-term and keep in mind the potential for new security threats created in the wake of a wildfire.
Keeping safe
Business owners in California and beyond must take proactive steps to secure their properties and prepare for the devastating impact of wildfires. By understanding local fire risks, complying with the California Fire Code, investing in fire suppression systems, and learning from past incidents, businesses can protect both their assets and their employees.
Start a conversation with a Bay Alarm security expert.
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