When it comes to fires, the best offense is a good defense. Here are some precautionary practices to help businesses safeguard their restaurants and bars against fires:

• Install, maintain and professionally service all cooking equipment.
• Clean all surface areas regularly and thoroughly to cut down on grease accumulation.
• Hire professionals to clean the hood(s) and duct(s) at least twice a year, or more often for restaurants and bars that do extensive frying.
• Clean grease filters based on cooking volume.
• Mount Class-K portable fire extinguishers in kitchens, and post signs indicating they are for grease fires only. Train all staff on their use.
• Keep a detailed log of when systems have been cleaned and by whom. Clearly mark the next date of service.
• Position fryers at least 16 inches away from any flame-producing equipment.
• Install an automatic fuel shut-off device that is actuated by the suppression system for cooking equipment.

While proper employee training and prevention efforts can substantially mitigate fire risks, restaurants’ and bars’ use of flames, oil and grease makes it difficult to fully fireproof these types of businesses. Instituting a prevention plan and maintaining a clean, properly cared for working space minimizes these hazards.

Read more about restaurant fires in this whitepaper, “Protecting Your Business: Identify and Eliminate Restaurant Fires.”

Society’s team of loss control experts, association partners and agents can help restaurant and bar owners ensure they have the proper practices and policies in place — right down to the smallest details — to prevent and recover from a fire. With extensive experience in insuring restaurants and bars, Society can provide policyholders with a custom plan that fits their needs. Get in touch with a Society agent today by visiting www.societyinsurance.com to learn more about how to best protect your business.