Unfortunately, the risk of an uncontrollable, fast-moving fire isn’t just a threat inside your business –– it’s also a threat from the outside. Last year, wildfire season cost California alone $55 billion in damages. And as wildfires become more widespread, more out-of-control, and more volatile, it becomes increasingly important for business owners to consider making their facility as fire-resistant as possible.
While much of it might not be in official codes and regulations for fire upgrades yet, you can bet they’re on the way. Regardless, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to protecting your customers, employees, and property.
Reducing Wildfire Risks Around the Property
We tend to think that greenery around a business is attractive. Nicely-landscaped potted plants flanking the storefront doors, maybe some fabric shades for outside dining – these kinds of things make for a welcoming place of business. But we still have to be practical; that little red bud tree is not worth $100,000 worth of potential damage.
Ideally, you’ll create a minimum 5ft margin on all sides of your building where there is absolutely nothing that’s at all flammable. If you need plants, choose small ones that are resistant to burning. Forego any cloth banners, overhangs, shelters, etc. Any benches or outdoor furniture should be plastic-free, fabric-free, and wood-free. Use non-flammable materials for all of your signage, and ensure any exterior doors and walls are covered in or made of non-combustible materials like steel, concrete, or brick.
Fire-Resistant Materials Can Improve Protection
Make sure that every one of the exterior doors on your business, including your storefront doors and windows, doubles as a fire-secure door. Consider the heat rating of each exterior door, and the type of commercial door hardware you choose to use as well. Fiberglass doors are often best for exterior doors that aren’t the main points of entry or exit; we can’t have every business in Sacramento change their storefront to a uniform, glassless look just because of wildfire. It would look dystopian.
For those ubiquitous and well-loved double and sliding glass entry door and window setups, there are still measures you can take to make your glass storefront safer. First, consider an automated gate shutter system that wholly covers all glass doors and windows with a fire and heat-resistant material. Second, choose dual-paned tempered glass for your exterior double doors and storefront windows; it’s the most heat-resistant type of glass.
You should also consider using reinforced commercial hardware and door framing that’s fire-rated on all your exterior doors and windows. Often, you can retrofit existing frames this way, or you could use it as an excuse to switch out your business’s exterior doors and windows, replacing everything with fire-rated materials and construction.
Preparing Building Access Systems for Emergency Evacuations
During an emergency, employees, visitors, and first responders rely on building access systems to function as expected. While evacuation planning often focuses on routes and communication procedures, it’s equally important to consider the doors, gates, and access control systems people may need to use during a rapid evacuation.
Verify that designated exit doors open properly, panic hardware operates smoothly, and exit routes remain unobstructed. Automated gates should also be evaluated to ensure they won’t interfere with emergency vehicle access or evacuation efforts if normal operations are disrupted.
Garage Door Backup Battery Systems Support Emergency Preparedness
Power outages are a common concern during wildfire emergencies, particularly when utilities shut down electrical service to help reduce fire risks. For commercial facilities that rely on overhead doors or automated access systems, backup power capabilities can play an important role in maintaining safe building access during an emergency.
California law requires many garage door openers to include battery backup systems so doors can continue operating during a power outage. For businesses, this can help support evacuation efforts, maintain access to critical areas, and reduce operational disruptions when normal power service is unavailable.
Facility managers should periodically check that battery backups are functional and that overhead doors receive regular maintenance and testing. Emergency preparedness planning should account not only for fire protection measures, but also for how employees, vehicles, and emergency personnel will safely enter or exit the property if power is lost.
Reducing Indoor Fire and Smoke Exposure Risks
First of all, you’ve got your fire doors throughout the building – those are compulsory via building codes. But if you’ve gone with the minimum, we’d recommend switching those doors out for higher fire-rated doors. If your panic hardware isn’t up to date, then get it upgraded. Panic bars are an absolute must to make sure your team can exit quickly and safely. Make sure all the doors in your building have smoke gaskets, and that your outer vents are protected so the ventilation system can’t fill with smoke. Ensure all points of egress are easily available, that there are multiple paths for differently-abled people, as well as multiple shutdown and evacuation plans for your staff.
For your differently-abled staff, such as anyone with a sensory impairment or mobility problems, ensure they’re not left behind in the panic. Station people with mobility issues in offices close to exits and preferably on ground floors. Create accessible signage for blind and deaf employees, as well as simple, obstacle-free paths to egress. It’s about keeping everybody safe in a scary situation, so no one is left in a potentially dangerous building.
Creating a Workplace Wildfire Preparedness Checklist
Every workplace has unique risks, but establishing a preparedness checklist can help identify vulnerabilities before wildfire season begins. A comprehensive review may include:
Building Preparation
- Remove combustible debris near structures
- Maintain defensible space where applicable
- Inspect roofing, vents, and exterior openings
- Review fire suppression equipment
Access and Egress
- Ensure emergency exits remain accessible
- Test panic hardware and exit doors
- Confirm gates operate properly
- Identify and clear emergency access routes
Employee Readiness
- Update emergency contact information
- Review evacuation procedures
- Establish communication protocols
- Identify and clearly signpost assembly locations
Business Continuity Planning
- Protect critical records and equipment
- Back up important operational data
- Identify temporary work alternatives
- Review recovery and reopening procedures
Emergency Preparedness Helps Protect Employees and Operations
Wildfires are scary, and it’s a little dark that all we have to say is it’s going to get worse. But don’t worry; if you and your team come up with a thoughtful plan, and you ensure your building is as prepared as it can be, if a wildfire ever does threaten your business, you’ll be sure everyone gets out safe and sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Businesses should review evacuation procedures, update contact information, inspect access routes, verify exit door functionality, and identify potential fire hazards around the property.
Preparedness plans should be reviewed periodically and updated whenever facility operations, staffing, building access systems, or emergency procedures change.
A business continuity plan outlines how an organization will maintain or restore critical operations following an emergency or disaster event.