How to protect your small business from wildfire damage
Written by Aleesha McMullin | Published on: July 24, 2024 | Categories: Business insurance
Across Canada, rising temperatures, increased lightning activity, and droughts are causing severe wildfire seasons. For small businesses, wildfires can cause significant damage — not only to your property, but to your operations through supply chain interruptions, displacement of staff, and possible health and safety risks. Luckily, by planning ahead, you can reduce potential downtime and prevent injury if your business is affected by a wildfire.
What to do before a wildfire
Even if your region’s risk is low, take these proactive steps to help protect your business in the event of a wildfire emergency:
- Create an emergency plan. Make sure your company’s emergency preparedness and response plans are clearly laid out and shared with all staff. Perform regular training and evacuation drills to make sure your staff know what to do in the event of an emergency.
- Fireproof your building. Install fire-resistant roof coverings, overhangs, and eaves to protect your building’s exterior and make sure all spark arrestors, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and sprinkler systems are in working order.
- Remove any flammable materials around your property. Store any combustible and flammable materials in approved containers and at a distance from your building, fences, and vehicles. Keep tree branches and hedges trimmed back at least two metres from your building and make sure any dead leaves or brush are routinely removed, as dry grass and plants can help fuel a wildfire.
- Connect with your insurance broker. Make sure your business has the right coverage against wildfire-related loss.
What to do during a wildfire
If your business is in the path of a wildfire, here are some safety tips to consider during the emergency:
- Follow evacuation orders. If an evacuation is announced, make sure all staff leave the premises immediately and steer clear of active flames.
- Shut down all equipment if it’s safe to do so. Follow your documented procedures and emergency plan to shut down or move equipment that may be affected by the wildfire, including backup generators and flammable liquid lines.
- Water down your property. Use a hose to keep your roof and lawn as wet as possible, if it’s safe to do so and local authorities haven’t declared any water use restrictions.
What to do after a wildfire
Once the wildfire is over and you’ve been authorized to return to your business’s property, here’s what you should do to reduce damage and prevent injury:
- Check for potential danger. Keep an eye out for downed power lines, loose debris, and fuel spills caused by the wildfire and report any damages to your local utility providers before entering the premises.
- Assess the damage. Take photo and video evidence of the damage to goods, equipment, materials, and your property to help speed up the claims process.
- Come prepared with protective gear. Always wear boots, safety glasses, a mask, and rubber gloves when entering the building.
- Call an environmental consultant. Before you begin cleaning up the damage, call an expert to check for contamination and determine the required level of cleaning.
It’s better to be safe than sorry. This wildfire preparation guide and accompanying infographic can help reduce the risk of damage, injury, and health risks due to wildfire. Post the guide or infographic in a central location in your workplace and integrate it into your current emergency procedures before severe weather arrives to protect your staff, customers, and property.
Take your preparations one step further and reach out to your licensed insurance broker to make sure you have the right coverage for your small business for wildfire-related loss.
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