Fire Safety Month is Coming: Essential Preparation Tips for UK Businesses

October marks National Fire Safety Month, a critical time for UK businesses to assess, review, and improve their fire safety standards. Whether you run a small office, manage a warehouse, or operate a hospitality venue, ensuring your workplace is fire-safe isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a vital responsibility that protects lives, property, and business continuity.

At Fireline UK, we’ve been helping organisations across the country meet their fire safety duties for over 30 years. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps, legal responsibilities, and best-practice checklists to help you prepare for Fire Safety Month and beyond.

Why Fire Safety Month Matters

Fire Safety Month serves as an annual reminder to take stock of your current safety procedures, update your equipment, and ensure staff are trained to respond correctly in the event of a fire.

While fire prevention should be part of your year-round health and safety strategy, October is an ideal time to:

  • Review risk assessments

  • Service or replace outdated equipment

  • Refresh staff training

  • Communicate fire safety responsibilities

  • Schedule professional inspections

Fires can devastate businesses, leading to property damage, legal consequences, injury—or worse. Being proactive this October can help ensure your workplace is prepared, compliant, and protected.

1. Review and Update Your Fire Risk Assessment

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic premises in England and Wales must have a current fire risk assessment in place. This applies to employers, landlords, facilities managers, and building owners.

Your risk assessment should:

  • Identify potential fire hazards

  • Evaluate who might be at risk

  • Implement measures to reduce or remove risk

  • Detail emergency procedures and escape plans

  • Be reviewed regularly, especially after any structural or personnel changes

If you haven’t reviewed your assessment in the last 12 months, Fire Safety Month is the perfect time to do so. Not sure where to start? Fireline UK offers professional fire risk assessments to ensure your business meets every requirement.

2. Check and Service Fire Safety Equipment

Fire extinguishers, alarms, emergency lighting, and fire doors are only effective if they’re well-maintained and functioning properly. During October, you should carry out a full check of all your fire safety systems, or schedule a service with a qualified technician.

Key equipment to check includes:

  • Fire extinguishers – Are they serviced and in-date? Are the correct types available for the specific risks in your workplace (e.g. electrical fires, flammable liquids)?

  • Fire alarms – Have they been tested recently? Are sounders loud and clear in all parts of the building?

  • Emergency lighting – Will it provide sufficient illumination in a power cut?

  • Fire doors – Are they self-closing, unobstructed, and properly labelled?

At Fireline UK, we provide comprehensive fire extinguisher servicing, alarm testing, and maintenance contracts to keep your equipment compliant and operational.

3. Revisit Staff Training and Fire Drills

Having equipment is not enough—your team must know how to use it and what to do in the event of a fire. Every employee should be trained in fire awareness and understand their role in your evacuation procedure.

Fire Safety Month is a good time to:

  • Deliver refresher training for existing staff

  • Provide induction fire safety training for new employees

  • Clearly display fire action notices and evacuation maps

  • Hold a fire drill to test and time your escape plan

Don’t forget to nominate and train Fire Marshals or Wardens. These individuals are responsible for leading evacuations, checking designated zones, and liaising with emergency services.

4. Inspect Escape Routes and Signage

Emergency exits should be easily accessible, clearly marked, and free from obstructions at all times. Now is the time to carry out a thorough walk-through of your premises to ensure:

  • Fire exit doors are functional and unlocked during operating hours

  • Routes are free from clutter or locked doors

  • Signage is visible, illuminated (if needed), and up to date

  • Escape ladders or stairs (if applicable) are in good condition

If you find any issues, act immediately. In an emergency, even a minor delay can cost lives.

5. Communicate Fire Safety Responsibilities

Many businesses fail to clearly delegate fire safety roles, leading to confusion when action is needed. During October, take time to:

  • Confirm who your Responsible Person is (as defined in the Fire Safety Order)

  • Allocate tasks such as alarm checks, extinguisher inspections, and escape route monitoring

  • Create or update a fire safety logbook

  • Distribute a fire safety policy document to all staff

Clear communication saves time during a crisis and ensures your team understands what’s expected of them.

6. Consider Upgrades or Improvements

While reviewing your systems, you may identify areas that could benefit from an upgrade. Whether it’s replacing outdated extinguishers, installing a new fire alarm system, or introducing automated smoke detection, improvements can enhance safety and simplify compliance.

Fireline UK can advise on the latest fire safety technology, tailored to your business size, premises, and budget. We’re here to recommend practical, scalable solutions that keep your workplace protected and up to standard.

Final Thoughts: Fire Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility

Fire Safety Month is more than a reminder—it’s an opportunity to take meaningful action. The steps you take now will not only help ensure compliance with the law but will also create a safer environment for your staff, customers, and visitors.

At Fireline UK, we’re proud to support businesses across the UK with expert fire safety services. Whether you need extinguisher maintenance, staff training, or a full risk assessment, our team is here to help you prepare for October—and for the future.

Get Prepared with Fireline UK

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Fireline UK today for advice, inspections, or to book your fire safety services ahead of Fire Safety Month.