Tips to Avoid Electrical Fires in Ulster County Businesses

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

This is a huge fire hazard that most business owners don't think about. Use safe electrical practices in your business.

Most business owners in Kingston, Highland, Saugerties and New Paltz are likely familiar with the fire codes in order to make sure their business is as safe as possible. However, outside of fire codes, there are still necessary fire safety steps to take. 

If your building contains an office where many electronics are in use, educating everyone on electrical safety is a great fire prevention strategy.

Electrical Fire Safety in the Workplace

As a business owner, it’s imperative to do your part for fire safety and educating your employees so they can do the same- go hand in hand. Have your property regularly inspected by a licensed electrician and keep an eye out for areas that could use the installation of additional outlets, so you are not relying too heavily on power strips or extension cords in their place.

Additionally, the majority of electrical fire safety tips involve cord management and the safe usage of electronic devices. Here are some tips you can share with your employees to make sure they are practicing electrical safety throughout their day-to-day tasks:

• Do not overload outlets or power strips with several electronics at one time.
• Do NOT plug a power strip into another power strip.
• Place all power strips in areas that are well-ventilated, in order to disperse heat.
• Never tie knots in electrical cords.
• Cables should never be placed under carpets or rugs in the workplace.
• Make sure that grounded cords are not used with ungrounded outlets.
• If a cord or cable is frayed, don’t use it
• Always unplug cords by the plug instead of tugging the cable.
• Don’t try to handle plugs and cables with wet hands.
• If you see smoke or smell burning, stop using the electronic immediately, get your manager immediately, this could become a fire.
• Alert your supervisor to any outlets that have loose-fitting plugs.
• Extension cords are not a long-term solution. Have an electrician install another outlet if needed.

 If your business is dealing with any kind fire/smoke damage, SERVPRO of Kingston/New Paltz is here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, we are only a phone call away. Contact us at any hour to receive a rapid response to your restoration needs.