A surprise office fire might interrupt your mundane Monday meeting, but it’s probably not the kind of excitement you had in mind. Discover these tips to prevent the most frequent office fires that Orange County fire sprinkler companies encounter.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee should be the only aroma wafting through your office, not the smell of smoke. However, the office can be a breeding ground for potential fire hazards. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of common office fire risks and recommendations for preventing them from Orange County fire sprinkler companies like us.

Electrical Fires

One in three office fires in the U.S. is caused by an electrical issue. And your office likely has dozens of pieces of equipment plugged into electrical outlets. Each outlet is on a circuit that can only handle so much electrical output. Drawing too much power can cause your circuit to overload, spark, or even catch fire. 

To minimize your risk of electrical fires, have an electrician evaluate your current circuits and electrical needs to ensure your equipment can be safely plugged in without shorting out the system. Using surge protectors is a smart way to protect your devices from power surges due to weather or unexpected power failure events. 

Kitchen Fires

The breakroom microwave is busier than an accountant during tax season, from morning muffins to cup-o-noodle lunches to afternoon popcorn. So it’s no wonder that the likelihood of your office microwave catching fire is high. An errant spoon, leftover food spillage, and just being overworked are culprits for a kitchen fire.

Prevent kitchen fires by keeping your microwave clean, staying with your food while it heats, and replacing it if it starts acting up. And remember to have a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.

Space Heater Fires

As the weather turns cooler (or if your office thermostat is always set at 60 degrees), space heaters start appearing under desks. While these handy appliances are great for keeping feet warm, they pose a significant fire risk if not correctly cared for.

All Orange County fire sprinkler companies will offer the same tips: never leave a space heater unattended and keep it at least three feet away from any other surface. That’s it. That’s our best advice for ensuring that your Mr. Buddy will only keep your feet warm, not the entire office, because he’s on fire.

Smoking-Related Fires

Most offices have designated smoking areas outside, but if cigarette butts are not fully extinguished or disposed of properly, they can quickly become fuel that will start a fire. 

To keep smoking-related fires away, supply conveniently located outdoor smoker’s receptacles and establish your smoking areas far away from flammable vegetation or anything else that might easily catch fire. And train your employees to fully extinguish their cigarettes before heading back inside.

Flammable Materials

Most offices have flammable materials like paper products; others have more combustible materials like cleaning supplies or other chemicals that significantly increase the fire risk.

Ensure your recycling bin and trash baskets are emptied regularly, and store all flammable materials in a safe place to reduce the risk of office fires.

Electrical Equipment Overheating

If your office has an extensive network of computers or a server room, all that equipment can get very hot. Keeping these environments at a cool enough temperature is essential to avoid equipment overheating. That may be why your office is 60 degrees! 

Faulty Fire Sprinkler Systems

Even with every safety precaution, office fires can still happen. You need Orange County fire sprinkler companies to evaluate your fire sprinkler system and perform any necessary repairs or upgrades.

These professional assessments and maintenance checks ensure that your fire sprinkler system is in top-notch condition, ready to spring into action when needed. Don’t wait until it’s too late; invest in the safety of your office space today.

DynaFire Can Help Keep You Safe In The Event Of An Office Fire

DynaFire has been serving the Fire & Life Safety needs of Central Florida for nearly 20 years, and our technicians can design, install, test, and maintain your office fire sprinkler system. Our mission is to keep you safe while providing the best customer service. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.