As business owners, we spend a lot of time thinking about protecting what we’ve worked so hard to build. We review our insurance, invest in security systems, and train our employees. But sometimes it’s the small things that get overlooked.
One of those is your building’s exit signs and emergency lighting.
They’re easy to walk past every day without giving them a second thought. The problem is, you don’t realize there’s an issue until you actually need them.
Why They Matter
If the power goes out or there’s an emergency, exit signs and emergency lighting are designed to help people find their way out safely. Many signs have backup batteries that keep them illuminated even when the power is off.
Just like anything else in your building, though, they don’t last forever. Batteries wear out, lights stop working, and older fixtures eventually need to be replaced.
A Quick Walk Through Your Building
Take five minutes and walk through your office, warehouse, or storefront.
Ask yourself a few simple questions:
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Are all of the exit signs illuminated?
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Are the emergency lights in good condition?
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Is anything damaged or blocked?
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When was the last time they were inspected or tested?
If you don’t know the answer to that last question, you’re probably not alone. It’s one of those maintenance items that’s easy to forget until an inspection or emergency reminds you.
Staying Ahead of the Problem
Every building is different, and inspection and maintenance requirements can vary depending on your location and the type of building you own or occupy. That’s why it’s a good idea to work with your local fire department, building department, or a qualified fire protection company to understand what applies to your business.
Replacing an older exit sign or a worn-out battery is usually a much easier conversation than dealing with a failed inspection or discovering a problem during an emergency.
It’s About More Than Checking a Box
At Navigate Risk Advisors, we talk a lot about managing risk before a claim happens. While insurance is there to help after a covered loss, there are plenty of things business owners can do today to help create a safer workplace.
Making sure your exit signs and emergency lighting are working properly is one of those simple steps that often gets overlooked but can have a meaningful impact.
So the next time you’re walking through your building, take an extra minute to look up at those exit signs. If one isn’t lit, if an emergency light isn’t working, or if you’re unsure when it was last serviced, it may be worth having it looked at by a qualified professional.
Sometimes the smallest maintenance projects can make the biggest difference when it matters most.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, building code, or fire safety advice. Building and fire code requirements vary by jurisdiction. Business owners should consult their local authority having jurisdiction or a qualified fire protection professional regarding inspection, testing, maintenance, and code compliance requirements.
