Let’s be honest: when you’re running a business, fire safety isn’t the first thing you think about. You’re busy managing clients, operations, deadlines, and a hundred other things. But here’s the truth fire accidents don’t wait for a convenient time. And most of the time, it’s not some big dramatic error that causes them. It’s the small, everyday mistakes that pile up.

Here are five of the most common ones I’ve noticed:

1. Fire drills that never happen.

I can’t tell you how many offices I’ve walked into where the last fire drill happened “a few years ago.” The problem is, in a real emergency, people panic. If your team doesn’t know where to go, or how to react, you lose valuable minutes.

2. Fire exits turning into storage rooms.

This one’s everywhere. A stack of cartons here, a chair there, and before you know it, the emergency exit is practically blocked. The irony? In the moment you need it most, it’s unusable.

3. Fire extinguishers for “show.”

Yes, the extinguisher is hanging there on the wall. But when was the last time someone checked it? Too often, I find they’re expired, damaged, or just plain useless. It’s like having a locked umbrella in a storm.

4. Overloaded sockets and tangled wires.

We’ve all seen this: ten devices plugged into one extension cord because “it’s just temporary.” Except, that “temporary” setup stays forever. This is one of the leading causes of electrical fires, and it’s entirely preventable.

5. Assuming staff will “figure it out.”

A lot of companies have a safety manual somewhere, but most employees haven’t read it, let alone practiced it. In reality, everyone should at least know how to use a fire extinguisher and where the exits are.

My two cents:
Fire safety doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about building habits—keeping exits clear, checking equipment, and training your people. A little attention today can literally save lives tomorrow. And honestly, nothing builds trust with your team more than showing you care about their safety.