PREVENT A FIRE Simple, Effective Ways to at Your Center

By Cameron Linder

Over the last six months, I’ve seen more fires at bowling centers than in the last two years. Some fires destroyed wonderful centers while others caused significant damage, shutting down operations for months. In my experience, most of the total losses will not result in a rebuilt center, but in a lawsuit against the insurance carrier. I should state that none of these fires in the last six months have been customers of mine so I’m not speaking with any kind of inside knowledge—just from experience and watching what happens when an agent who doesn’t know bowling gets burnt.

Since you don’t buy insurance for the privilege of filing a lawsuit after a large claim, let’s focus on three things that most often cause fires inside bowling centers. If you could add just a few tasks to your list of routine maintenance and inspections, then a bowling center fire would truly be a rare thing to read about.

The most frequent cause of fire inside a bowling center is the spontaneous combustion of greasy rags. Sounds unbelievable but trust me! Greasy rags stacked up inside of a small room that doesn’t get much air movement routinely ignite in a chemical fire. So, what to do?

• Purchase fire-rated containers with self-closing lids for all areas where grease rags are used and stored. Typically, that means the kitchen supply area, janitor’s closets, laundry room, and the mechanic’s area.

• Check these areas two to three times a week to make sure staff are properly disposing of and storing greasy rags.

• Consider using an outside cleaning company to remove and launder all rags.

The second most frequent cause is electrical, typically in the roof. How do you prevent an electrical fire?

• Remove old wiring from your attic and place all good wiring in conduit. There should be no drop cords used in your attic! If you have a dome-style wooden truss roof this is absolutely mandatory! If a fire starts in your truss system, it’s a guaranteed total loss as the fire department will not go inside—they’ll dump water on top until the walls cave in.

Fire destroys Iowa small town’s only remaining bowling alley

Texas town’s fire takes 3 shifts of fire fighters to put out bowling alley blaze

Missouri bowling alley severely damaged by fire

• If you have Federal Pacific Electric “Stab-Lok” breakers, then you have a fire waiting to happen. These breakers are responsible for 4,600 fires a year in both homes and businesses. While there are other breaker brands that are of concern (e.g., Zinsco, Push-matic), Stab-Lok breakers with the red tab are the worst. I know what you’re thinking…but remember, they won’t be a problem until the place is on fire!

The third cause is the one you’d most expect: a kitchen fire. So, what can you do?

• Ensure you are using a professional, contracted hood cleaning service that cleans the hoods at least twice a year. If you do a lot of food service, then bump it up to quarterly.

• Train your staff on what to do if there’s a grease fire. Here’s a hint, DON’T USE WATER! Make sure they know what the silver, Class-K fire extinguisher is for, where it’s located, and what to do with it.

• Install a splash guard between your griddle or grill and your deep fryers OR ensure there’s at least 18 inches between them. Grease splashing onto the cooktop can ignite a fire and a $23 piece of metal can save you from a $100,000 claim. And a fourth cause? Arson. Just don’t do arson! Please!

And someone will say, “But I have great insurance, we buy from you!” Well, gosh, thank you! But never forget that while insurance may replace the center after a fire, it won’t replace the customers who will bowl elsewhere in the meantime.

For more helpful advice like this, check out a preview of the WBPI Training Center.•

INTERNATIONAL BOWLING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE IS GIVING AWAY $30,000 TO BOWLING OPERATORS & Writing Checks to

$30,000

To Center Operators

Beginning October 1, 2022, IBI will be giving away $1,000 a month for 30 months which can be applied toward goods or services from one of IBI’s qualifying vendors.

Each month, operators enter the contest at www.BowlingIndustry.com for their chance to win in that month’s drawing. Once the winner decides on a purchase from an IBI qualified advertiser, IBI will send a check to cover that portion of their purchase.

A winner will be selected on the last day of each month. Once the winner is notified, IBI will give them a list of qualifying vendors to choose from.

Details and Rules are available at www.BowlingIndustry.com

ATTN: ADVERTISERS…. IF YOUR COMPANY IS AN IBI PREFERRED VENDOR, WE MAY BE SENDING YOU $$$$$

As a thank you to our consistent marketing partners, we’re including you in our milestone anniversary celebration.

If one of our winners chooses your company as their selected vendor, we’ll cut you a check on their behalf.

IBI’s Preferred Vendors receive a ton of exposure yearround, have exclusive marketing perks, and are included in special promotions like the $30,000 giveaway.

For more information on all the benefits of becoming an IBI Preferred Vendor, contact Natalie@BowlingIndustry.com or call 239.821.2534