Holiday Fire Safety for Commercial Properties

By / Building Security / 3 minutes of reading
Holiday Fire Safety for Commercial Properties

Commercial building owners, property managers and other stakeholders on commercial properties have an important responsibility during the holidays: fire prevention. If your property is decorated for the holidays, it’s important to do your due diligence for fire safety. After all, businesses and other commercial structures are no less susceptible to fires than residences. As a company that has installed business fire alarms throughout Phoenix, here are our recommendations. 

Be safe with Christmas trees. 

Christmas trees are fun, festive, and typically the first holiday decoration to go up. Many properties use them to participate in the holiday spirit, but it must be done with caution. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) reports that U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 160 fires per year that start with Christmas trees. They cause annual property damage of $10 million, in addition to deaths and injuries. That’s a high liability, so be sure to purchase a fireproof artificial tree or water a fresh tree daily. Once it dries out, it must be disposed of. In addition, keep your tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles and heat vents. If you manage a property with multiple tenants, be sure to give each tenant these instructions. 

Don’t take holiday lights lightly. 

Flammable branches and needles are not the only reason Christmas trees are at a higher risk of catching fire. The other factor that leads to fire risk is lights. The NFPA reports that electrical distribution or lighting equipment, including decorative lights, was involved in more than two of five (44%) of Christmas tree fires. Furthermore, nearly one in five Christmas tree fires (19%) were started by decorative lights. To reduce the risk, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.

Do not use old lights, lights with worn cords, or lights that quickly become hot to the touch. These are also important tips to share with your commercial property tenants. 

Comply with fire codes. 

It goes without saying that keeping your smoke alarms operable with fresh batteries is imperative, all year long. In addition, there are other fire codes that must be followed during the holidays. Requirements for artificial and natural Christmas trees can be found in both NFPA 1, Fire Code, Chapter 12 as well as NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, Chapter 10. The specific fire test requirements, as well as other clarifications for how to safely include Christmas trees in your business, have been included in the most recent NFPA updates. 

By following these tips, you can greatly improve fire safety on your commercial property. To discuss life safety devices and business fire alarms, Phoenix businesses can contact Accel Communications. We look forward to speaking with you. 

ABOUT Accel Communications, Inc.

Accel Communications has operated in the Greater Arizona area since 1990 as a full-service security alarm company that sells, installs, monitors, and services fire and security systems. They are the leader in Honeywell Fire, Brivo Web-Based Access Control, Eagle Eye and Flexwatch CCTV camera systems, and DMP Security.

Evan Gavrilles
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