Arson Reduction
Shops and Stores
Ways to stop your business becoming an Arson statistic.
Shops and stores can often be the target for arsonists. Arson is an ever present threat but one which YOU as a shop owner or store manager can do much to control. However there are some tips you can follow to reduce the risk of you becoming an arson statistic.
Follow these tips to help to reduce the risk.
Responsibility
In any shop or store the owner or manager is responsible for fire safety.
As the person responsible for fire safety you need to think of all the ways in which someone could start a fire deliberately either inside or outside of the premises.
It is a fact that most of the arson fires affecting shops and stores are lit outside. The culprits are often young vandals with no other motive than to cause trouble. They light their fires with anything ready to hand. Waste packaging, rubbish in open skips and plastic trays. How easily could this happen to you?
Fires are also lit inside the premises by people who have mental health issues, by extremists, and even members of staff who hold a grudge. How easily could a fire be started or an incendiary device be concealed?
Have there been small fires in the shop or store on previous occasions?
Have you heard of fires occurring in the vicinity?
If so, tell the police. Small fires are often a sign of worse things to come!
Make the premises as arson proof as possible by following the advice below.
Limiting the number of entrances used, but do not lock fire exits.
Keeping a watch on what is going on and encourage your staff to do the same.
Considering employing a security guard.
As part of staff training, remind all employees of the arson threat and ask them to report any suspicious activity by customers or staff.
Ensuring that doors and windows are in good repair and that locks are working.
Gaps under doors to the street should be as narrow as possible to prevent lighted materials being pushed underneath.
If there is a letterbox it should be a metal container fitted to the inside to contain any fires from lighted material.
Keep a list of people holding keys and chase up any which are missing.
Identify any entry routes which could be used by intruders such as ; yards, drain pipes and flat roofs. Prevent access wherever possible.
Make sure that only authorised staff have access to storage or warehousing areas.
Consider leaving lights on at night.
Deal with the waste and rubbish threat
Do not allow packaging, waste or rubbish to accumulate anywhere in or adjacent to the premises.
All rubbish should be moved regularly to safe storage areas.
Safe storage means bins with closed lids, preferably in secure cages.
Arrange frequent collections of refuse by the Local Authority or contractor.
Daily checks
Ensure that all fire extinguishers and hose reels are ready for use, that fire exits are unlocked and fire doors are not wedged open.
Make checks throughout the day for any suspicious packages, hidden fires or incendiary devices.
At closedown, check that no combustible material is left about, no unauthorised people are on the premises, doors and windows are locked and alarms switched on.
Weekly
Check that the security system, fire detection system and, where applicable, sprinkler installation, are fully operational.
Useful information