New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association is your fire insurance company.

You have purchased this insurance to provide financial protection in the event of a fire. No one wants to experience the loss of life, injury and disruption that a fire can cause. We have designed this brochure to highlight fire prevention methods for property owners and occupants of buildings used for mercantile operations to alert you to some factors that can reduce the potential of fire or reduce damage. We cannot address the needs of each of the wide variety of mercantile occupancies we insure; and are, therefore, highlighting the most prevalent issues.

Mercantile occupancies range from neighborhood "mom and pop" stores to shopping malls. The majority of the properties we insure are the former. The stress and time pressure of operating these businesses may result in the proprietor not following practices to reduce the potential for fire. Building owners should inspect mercantile occupancies to evaluate whether hazards exist and work with their tenants to eliminate them.

A checklist is provided to help you identify potential hazards in your premises. This checklist is by no means comprehensive, and is not intended as a substitute for knowing and understanding applicable codes and regulations. Please use the checklist to recognize what you need to do to decrease the potential of fire.

• Do not allow accumulation of debris. Remove waste from the premises daily.

• Be sure that all employees are familiar with a fire prevention and safety plan.

• Require strict adherence to "No Smoking" rules.

• Inspect all electrical equipment to identify worn or damaged wiring that could cause sparking.

• If cooking is done, be sure that fire suppressant equipment is installed and maintained.

• Be sure that the area around refrigeration compressors is kept clear of debris.

• If flammable or combustible liquids are used, store them in a fire-rated closed cabinet.

• Install the proper type fire extinguishers for your premises. Have them inspected regularly. Train employees in their proper use.

• Maintain the building’s sprinkler system, or demand that the property owner comply with all requirements. Be sure that the system is operational. (Contact NYPIUA for additional information concerning sprinklers.)

• Keep aisles clear and passable.

• Create an inspection plan that will result in the identification of hazards.

• Store cardboard boxes away from heat sources.

• Do not over stock.

Back to home page