Providing great customer service is vital to the success of any retail business and in this case, excellent customer service includes promoting their safety and well-being. Here are some of the things that any retail business owner – large or small – should be thinking about with regards to his or her businesses’ fire safety.

Protection Systems


For retail businesses, fires present a threat and danger to both customers and inventory. This makes it even more important for your business to be equipped to handle a fire. Here are the basics of what every store should have:

  • Alarms – Especially in bigger stores, alarms are important. They’ll alert customers in all parts of a store that there is a fire. Just as important – fire alarm monitoring can help make sure that you know when a fire breaks out in your store when no one is around. It’ll alert the fire department even if no one is on-site to call 911.
  • Sprinklers – Sprinklers help you do two, specific things. First and most obvious – they protect customers. Second, they prevent extensive damage to inventory. Retail stores can vary wildly in terms of the kinds of materials on hand so make sure you have a consistent suppression system ready to go is vital to your safety.
  • Extinguishers – Extinguishers should be located throughout your stores in easy-to-get-to places. This is especially true if you’re selling anything flammable. It’s important to keep in mind that fire extinguishers are not all the same in that they all spray different chemical compositions depending on what kind of fire they’re designed to fight. Make sure you discuss this with your fire safety pro. Also, make sure everyone on your staff knows and understands how to use extinguishers so they are prepared in the event of an accident.

Inspections and regular testing

Regular inspection and testing of your fire protection systems are not only essential but in some states, it’s even the law! A faulty or malfunctioning fire protection system can have devastating effects on your business and other people’s lives. Make sure that all of your equipment is fully functional and ready to be used in the worst-case scenario.

Remember, go by the book and leave nothing to chance! Good luck!

If you have a question about this or any other fire protection topic, please contact Protegis Fire & Safety.