How to Prevent Your Business From Becoming a Victim of Arson

Fire damage can have a significant impact on your business; not least due to the finance it costs to recover the site. Ensuring your business is fire safe should therefore be a top priority; both against accidents and arson.

Here we’ve listed some ways you can protect your business from becoming victim to arsonists.

Fire Safety Systems

Ensuring you have the correct fire safety systems fully functioning at all times should be your main priority when protecting your business against the risk of fire. An alarm system can act as a deterrent to potential arsonists, but also ensures all persons can be evacuated from the building safely, and the fire services can be alerted as soon as possible in the event of a fire occurring.

You are also legally required to have a fire safety system installed under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and your insurance would be voided if you have not taken these measures.

Nominate a Fire Warden

By nominating one member of staff, or several in a large company, you can ensure that fire detection equipment is maintained, and that staff are able to evacuate safely in the event of a fire. Moreover, the fire wardens will be responsible for ensuring flammable materials are stored correctly, reducing the possibility of arson as much as possible.

Restrict Site Entry

This will allow you to keep better watch over who enters the premises, meaning no unauthorised person can gain access to the site without being registered.

Keep Flammables Locked Away

Flammables should be stored in a secure, locked container. This will prevent arsonists from getting to them, as well as making the working environment safer altogether.

Stay Alert to Intruders

If someone – for whatever reason – is planning on vandalising your premises, they may watch it for a few days first to work out when people leave. Ensuring that staff are vigilant about who enters the site – and questioning anyone who looks out of place – is a good way to ensure the safety of the business. Consider installing CCTV and making entry fobs identifiable for this reason also.

Train Staff

Although nominating a fire warden to take main responsibility for fire safety is vital, it is a good idea to ensure all staff members have a basic awareness of Arson Prevention tactics as well. Include this in your staff training regularly to ensure everyone knows what to look for and what to do.

Here at Cheshire Fire, our qualified team of in-house engineers are on hand to carry out installation, servicing and maintenance checks directly to your business, ensuring that your fire safety system is always fully functioning. We also offer fire risk assessments, enabling you to be sure your business is as safe from the risk of fire as it can be.

Contact us today for more information, and we’ll be happy to help you.