The New Normal: Managing Risk Effectively

With much anticipation and preparation, Minnesota businesses have opened following the months’ long COVID Stay Safe initiative. Businesses have developed safety plans and protocols that they’ve put into practice as they adjust to the “new” normal.

So has Brothers Fire & Security. I assure you that we are following protocols that put personal safety first. We keep our staff and customers safe by:

• Wearing masks, safety goggles, and gloves
• Daily temperature monitoring for our technicians
• Six-foot distancing

The next step in the “new” normal is for every business to look at how they are managing risk; adapting to distancing and access control; and adjusting on a moment’s notice in a crisis.

Risk Management and Adaptability in Crisis

A crucial risk management tool we use is to ask our customers if they have additional or unusual safety protocol that they need us to implement at their locations. We’ve encountered many in these unique and chaotic times. We’ve had customers with different needs to be resolved quickly, some under dangerous circumstances. That’s where our adaptability plays a critical role. We create protocol for various contact and service scenarios, and use multiple resources to respond effectively, safely, and timely to emergencies.

For example, one of our senior living community clients had positive COVID cases they were dealing with, yet they needed their fire and security systems inspected, serviced, and certified. We arranged for the property managers to gather all the fire extinguishers in the buildings brought to one location in the garage where we could inspect and service them so we could take care of the customer’s requirements while reducing exposure for all parties.

Another client needed its kitchen hoods cleaned, inspected, and certified. Our technicians accessed the facility through the freight elevator, which opened directly to the kitchen, and completed the job without having any contact with the general staff or residents.

When Chaos Erupts

Brothers Fire & Security was called upon by clients for emergencies during the Minneapolis riots. We found ourselves responding to critical and potentially dangerous scenarios that we had never experienced before.

A large downtown office building had scheduled needed repairs to the sprinkler and suppression systems during COVID. Then the riots erupted. Originally, the repairs were scheduled at night, but since the area was not safe during the riots, we worked with property management to shut down the system for repairs in the early afternoon. We got our work completed before nightfall and well ahead of curfew.

Another client used all their fire extinguishers to put out a fire. They needed 12 replacement extinguishers, which we were able to switch out quickly and safely.

An apartment building in the Lake Street area had a sprinkler line break in the lobby when all the windows were broken at the street level. We were able to safely gain access to fix the sprinkler line.

Working Together and Efficiently

2020 hasn’t been an easy year and who knows what lies ahead. There have been numerous variables as everyone works through the unknowns and unexpected. We all must adapt to changes in how we do day-to-day business, meet customer needs, and keep people and property safe.

As we navigate the uncertainty of coming weeks and months, I have an important question: Are you using vendors that can provide effective multiple services that reduce customer exposure and are effective in emergencies, needs and timeliness?

Less vendors and bundled services, such as installations, inspections, and repairs, helps manage risk and increase safety for all concerned. Brothers Fire & Security offers bundled services which not only meet those needs but saves you 25-30%, which can make a big difference in these financially stressed times.

Bottom line, Brothers Fire & Security is safety conscious, adaptable, and excels in risk management. You can be confident that the safety and security of your business, whether it’s a routine inspection or coming to your aid in emergencies, is our top priority.

About Brothers Fire & Security

As one of the premier providers of fire and security solutions in the Upper Midwest, Brothers Fire & Security strives to build long-term, value-added relationships. We work with business owners and property management companies, as well as all types of public institutions to solve fire and security needs. By taking advantage of our integrated bundled services, many of our clients find that they can save 25-30% on their safety services, annual inspections and more. From a single location to franchises throughout the region and the country, our integrated approach saves our clients valuable time, money, and stress. We provide fire protection systems, security systems, fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, 24-7 monitoring, fire extinguishers, card access and kitchen hoods. And coming soon, our new Online Academy: Life Safety — Made Simple with eLearning courses designed to help you get and keep your staff trained and your business fire and security code compliant.