By Einar Jensen, Risk Reduction Coordinator
Evergreen Fire/Rescue
Retail forecasts predict a 3-4% increase in sales through the winter holidays.
That’s great news for businesses in our community, but in the work to meet or exceed
those forecasts, we want you to keep safety in mind to protect your employees,
customers, and responders.
Increased inventories and supplies are among the greatest hazards for our
businesses because those objects don’t come with more storage areas. Additional stock
often accumulates in hallways, under stairs, and near exits.
It’s essential to keep exits clear for all the extra staff and customers you’ll have in
your businesses. Hallways leading to those exits also must be clear of obstacles.
Consider what is on the other side of the exit door, too. Clear snow and ice from
emergency exits as you would for store entrances. And prevent trash or recyclables
from accumulating outside those exit doors.
Here are some other tips:
Prevent exterior decorations from blocking address numbers.
Prevent interior decorations from blocking access to smoke alarms, sprinkler
heads, fire extinguishers, and AEDs.
Prevent decorations from blocking exit doors and exit signs.
Maintain aisles.
Provide space heaters with at least three feet of space clear of wood, cloth,
paper, and other objects that can burn.
Place candles on noncombustible surfaces where they are unlikely to tip over.
Blow out candles before leaving the space or building.
Also, use indoor holiday lights inside and outdoor lights outside. Indoor holiday
lights have a green UL-listed (Underwriters Laboratories) tag, or a silver tag with the
“UL” written in green. Holiday lights approved for the outdoors will have the UL-listed
tag in red, or silver with red writing.
We at EFR are committed to our community and its wellness. Visit our website
classes or resources that can help your business.
