Watch Out For These Fire Hazards In Your Restaurant
A restaurant’s heart and soul lie within its kitchen. Here, flavors and unique foods originate and give character to the restaurant. Dreams and creations all begin here. Unfortunately, there’s a risk of other things beginning in the kitchen as well. Namely, fire. Sadly, fire hazards in restaurant settings – if not recognized in time – can prove devastating to a business.
With motorized tools that can overheat, electrical equipment shorting out, plentiful paper products, high temperatures, and flammable liquids, you have one giant fire hazard in every restaurant kitchen. Annually, restaurant fires number roughly 8,000 causing property damage in excess of $240 million. What’s more, fatalities and injuries often accompany restaurant fires.
Here, we’ll examine the best ways to try to prevent restaurant fires by identifying the hazards. Remember that if your restaurant experiences a fire, rather than relying on an insurance company appointed adjuster, hire your own public adjuster. We’ll explain why later.
Restaurant fires and their common causes…
Gas Leaks
Gas leaks cause restaurant fires of a devastating nature. They can be the result of improperly maintained equipment, equipment that isn’t connected properly, and more. An explosion could be the result if electrical equipment is turned on or a match is struck where a gas leak exists.
Filthy Equipment (Grease Traps, Oven Hoods, Etc.)
You’ll find few kitchen surfaces that don’t have grease on them, no matter how clean you keep your kitchen. Unfortunately, it also builds up in ducts, exhaust hoods, cooktops, etc. and offers the perfect opportunity for the spread of fire.
Keep grease traps in clean, good operating order. If hot grease is added to a grease trap and paper or food has slipped into it, a fire could result.
Flammable Materials
Boxes, foil, parchment paper, wrapping, food packaging, and more are fire hazards that are frequently overlooked. Keep them clear of heat and flames, and always dispose of them properly.
Flammable Liquids
Alcohol, grease, animal fats, cooking oil, and more are flammable liquids found in most every kitchen. What’s more, you can’t use water to put out fires that originate from these.
Open Flames
Kitchens have open flames. But these flames can easily spread if dangling hair, loose clothing, potholders, kitchen towels, and other items catch fire.
Electrical Dangers
If you have outdated wiring, no matter how new your appliances are, a fire hazard danger is in existence. The risk of explosion, overheating, sparks, etc. increase if your kitchen has faulty plugs, sockets, switches, and more.
Fire Prevention Methods
Every restaurant should be equipped with the following to help prevent fires:
- A staff that is prepared and knowledgeable in fire prevention/equipment
- A schedule for routine maintenance of fire prevention systems
- Fire extinguishers appropriate for surroundings
- Hood suppression system
If Your Restaurant Is Damaged by Fire, Who Should Do Your Damage Assessment?
If your restaurant has been damaged as a result of a fire, should you put all your trust in your insurance company and their adjusters? No. Here’s why: Insurance adjusters (who are associated specifically with the insurance company) probably don’t have your best interests at heart. It’s nothing personal – just business. But the trustworthy professionals at Stone Claims are looking out for you and your restaurant. We are ready, day in and day out, to help you get your hospitality business back up and running.
The moment you contact Stone Claims is the exact moment you take the first step toward getting an effective, efficient commercial property damage insurance appraisal. We are licensed and operate in Mississippi, Maryland, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Delaware, Virginia, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Oklahoma, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nebraska, and Colorado.
So why are more and more restaurant owners contracting Stone Claims for their commercial adjustment needs? Insurance adjusters work for insurance companies. We work for you. We fight for fairness.
For a free claim review, please contact us at 1-800-892-1116. You can email us at office@stoneclaims.com if you like. Or you can use our convenient online form. Fill it out, send it in, and we’ll get back to you.