What Fire Safety Resolutions Should Every Business Make in the New Year?

As the New Year begins, many businesses set ambitious goals—expanding operations, increasing revenue, or strengthening customer relationships. Yet one vital resolution is often overlooked: fire safety. Protecting your staff, customers, and property from the risks of fire isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s also essential for business continuity and peace of mind.

Making fire safety a priority at the start of the year allows businesses to review existing procedures, update equipment, and ensure compliance with the latest regulations. Below, we explore the key fire safety resolutions that every business should consider in 20265.

1. Review Your Fire Risk Assessment

Every business premises must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment in place, but when was the last time yours was updated? Fire risks evolve over time as workplaces change. Renovations, new machinery, increased staff numbers, or even new layouts can all affect the way a fire could start or spread.

A New Year resolution for every business should be to:

  • Review your fire risk assessment annually (or sooner if there are significant changes).

  • Identify new hazards such as overloaded sockets, poorly stored flammable materials, or blocked exits.

  • Update your emergency plan to reflect current circumstances.

Keeping your fire risk assessment up to date demonstrates compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and shows staff and customers that you take safety seriously.

2. Check and Maintain Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are a first line of defence in an emergency—but only if they’re in working order. Many businesses forget to service their extinguishers until it’s too late, leaving them vulnerable should a fire occur.

This year, make it a resolution to:

  • Book a professional fire extinguisher maintenance service at least once every 12 months.

  • Check monthly that extinguishers are accessible, correctly labelled, and not tampered with.

  • Ensure the right type of extinguisher is in place for each area (for example, CO₂ extinguishers near electrical equipment, foam for offices or warehouses, and wet chemical extinguishers in kitchens).

At Fire Extinguisher Maintenance, we specialise in keeping your extinguishers fully compliant and ready for use.

3. Test Fire Alarms Regularly

An alarm system is only effective if it can be relied upon in an emergency. Many businesses carry out weekly tests but fail to document them properly. This can cause compliance issues and, more importantly, risk lives.

Resolve to:

  • Carry out weekly alarm tests and keep a logbook of results.

  • Schedule professional servicing at least twice a year.

  • Ensure all staff are familiar with the sound of the alarm so they know exactly what to do if it goes off.

A reliable alarm system provides critical early warning, helping occupants to evacuate quickly and safely.

4. Train and Refresh Fire Wardens

Fire wardens (or marshals) are essential for guiding people to safety during an evacuation. However, training can lapse as staff move on or take on new roles.

This year, businesses should:

  • Nominate enough fire wardens for each floor or department.

  • Provide accredited training so they know how to respond during a fire.

  • Refresh training annually to keep knowledge sharp.

Properly trained fire wardens not only ensure safe evacuation but also help spot hazards before they become serious risks.

5. Carry Out Fire Drills

Fire drills are sometimes seen as inconvenient, but they are a legal requirement and a crucial part of preparedness. A drill allows staff to practise evacuation routes, highlights any bottlenecks, and ensures that procedures are effective.

Set a New Year goal to:

  • Conduct at least one fire drill annually (ideally two, depending on the size of your premises).

  • Evaluate the results—did everyone evacuate quickly and calmly? Were assembly points clear and safe?

  • Make improvements based on findings to strengthen future responses.

6. Keep Escape Routes Clear

Blocked fire exits are one of the most common issues found during inspections. Boxes, furniture, or locked doors can all prevent people from getting out quickly in an emergency.

This year, resolve to:

  • Check escape routes daily to ensure they are clear.

  • Ensure exit doors open easily and are never locked during working hours.

  • Display clear signage and keep emergency lighting in good working order.

A safe, accessible exit route can make the difference between life and death during a fire.

7. Update Fire Safety Signage

Over time, signage may fade, fall off, or become outdated. Without clear instructions, staff and visitors could panic or head the wrong way in an emergency.

This New Year, businesses should:

  • Audit all fire safety signage to ensure it is visible and compliant with regulations.

  • Replace worn or missing signs immediately.

  • Add signage for new equipment or changes in layout.

Effective signage is a simple but powerful tool in any fire safety strategy.

8. Invest in Staff Training

Fire safety isn’t just about equipment—it’s about people. All employees should understand the basics of preventing fires and what to do if one occurs.

This year, consider:

  • Delivering induction training for all new staff.

  • Providing refresher courses for existing employees.

  • Tailoring training to specific risks in your business, such as kitchens, warehouses, or workshops.

An informed workforce is your strongest line of defence against fire risks.

9. Consider Specialist Protection

Depending on your industry, additional measures may be necessary. For example:

  • Restaurants and catering businesses may require kitchen suppression systems.

  • Warehouses and factories might benefit from sprinklers or mist systems.

  • Offices with heavy IT use should review electrical safety practices.

Tailoring protection to your environment ensures you are prepared for the most likely risks.

Conclusion: Start the Year Safely

The New Year is the perfect opportunity to commit to stronger fire safety practices. By reviewing risk assessments, maintaining equipment, training staff, and keeping evacuation procedures up to date, businesses can protect lives, avoid costly damage, and remain compliant with the law.

At Fire Extinguisher Maintenance, we help businesses across the UK stay safe and compliant with professional fire extinguisher servicing and fire safety support.

For expert help with your fire safety needs, call our team today on 0330 133 0380.