When a fire occurs in an industrial or commercial building, devastating losses are often the result. In addition to massive or complete structural damage, these fires can also result in the loss of many lives. While instituting tighter security measures is often helpful in reducing the number of fires caused by arson, business owners should also make sure that their properties are protected from fires of other origins.

Business owners who want to ensure that they are being proactive in taking steps to protect their employees and properties from fire risks will find the following information helpful. 

Fire extinguishers 

Most business owners have already made sure that their commercial and industrial properties have been outfitted with basic fire extinguishers in each department or space in the building. Depending on the type and layout of the business, however, business owners may be able to further lessen fire safety risks by providing additional fire extinguishing options at individual workstations or areas. Business owners will also need to ensure that each employee hired has been fully trained on the location and use of any fire extinguisher provided for their use. 

Sprinkler and fire suppression systems

When properly designed, installed, and maintained, sprinkler and fire suppression systems can be a business owner's best friend in minimizing damage and maximizing employee safety whenever a fire occurs. Since many improvements have now been made in the design and features of these systems, proactive business owners may be able to substantially reduce their risk of experiencing a major loss from fire by opting to replace or improve existing sprinkler or fire suppression systems. 

Modern fire alarm systems

Of course, the first thing that must occur whenever a fire breaks out in any structure is the timely activation of the fire alarm system. Technology has made great strides in fire alarm systems and equipment, including the use of video monitoring equipment. 

Computerized video monitoring equipment can allow emergency management officials to have much more detailed information about each fire than is possible with older alarm systems. Because of this, responding fire and rescue units are often able to reduce property damage and prevent injuries to both employees and their own personnel. 

Business owners will also want to make sure that their training and safety protocols are updated and in compliance with all local, state, and federal codes.

To get additional information about the latest fire protection equipment and advice on updating training and safety protocols, business owners will want to immediately contact a fire protection equipment company in their area.