Starting a new business is exciting. It comes with a lot of opportunities. It also comes with a good amount of work to get things up and running. When you have a brick-and-mortar location, one of the first things you should do is make sure the space is safe. Whether you have a retail store or a small bed and breakfast, there are basic things you need to do.
Consider Fire Prevention and Control
A fire could be devastating to your building so do what you can to prevent them. Get the property inspected for any electrical or HVAC issues that could cause a fire. And make sure your layout cuts down on hazards. See if you need to move any heaters or lights that are too close to flammable objects. Also, look into the best fire sprinkler systems NYC. A sprinkler may be required for your business and can make all the difference in stopping flames if a fire starts. And train yourself and your staff on what to do in case of emergency.
Create Clear Exits
Look at the layout of the building. If everyone had to leave, what doors could they use? Clearly mark those exits. Check to see if all the windows work properly and if they could be used as escape routes. And make sure people can navigate any furniture or fixtures in your space. Next, find a space for people to gather outside. You’ll want a meeting point so you can quickly account for all the people who were in the building.
Secure Your Building
While you want to make sure you can get everyone out of your building in a pinch, you also want to control who comes in to start with. Secure all your exits with solid locks. Evaluate any weak spots in security and fix them. Cameras are also a good way to deter unwanted visitors. Most security systems offer some level of surveillance. You can even use apps to monitor your business remotely. Don’t forget to secure off-limit areas inside the building as well, like stockrooms and offices. The only people who go into these spaces should have special credentials like a key card.
Your business represents a big investment in your life, so protect it by taking safety seriously. You want to make sure your venture runs smoothly for a long time. By paying attention to the basics, you can feel confident that you have a good foundation for success.
