Keep Your Business Safe From Arson

Title: Keep Your Business Safe From Arson

Date: 11^th January 2008
Following the prosecution yesterday of two teenagers who carried out an arson attack on two businesses in Selby last year, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind people to take some measures to stop their businesses being targeted by arsonists.

Deal with the waste and rubbish threat

No packaging, waste or rubbish should be left to accumulate anywhere on the premises or immediately outside.
Packaging, waste and rubbish should be removed regularly to a safe storage area.
Safe storage means metal bins with closed lids; ideally these bins would be locked away in their own compartment.
Arrange regular/frequent collection of refuse/waste by a local authority or contractor.

Make the premises as arson proof as possible

Without blocking fire exits, limit as far as possible the number of entrances in use.
Keep an eye on what is going on. It pays in larger establishments to have a security guard on duty at main entrances. In smaller businesses you and your staff should exercise vigilance.
As part of staff training, remind all employees of the arson threat and advise them to report suspicious behaviour by customers (or staff!).
Ensure 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 - this will prevent items such as lighted paper being pushed under them.
If there is a letter-box, it should have a metal container fitted on the inside of the building. (This should contain any fires from lighted rags or paper).
Keep a list of people holding keys to the premises, and chase any that are missing.
Special danger areas are storages and warehousing. There should be a rule that access is only available to authorised members of staff.
Is there a system - or should there be - for leaving lights on at night?

Station Manager Alan Bell says “The sentences given by the court shows how seriously arson attacks are taken and serve as a warning to other people who might think about starting fires.

“These two young people did not stop to consider the consequences of their actions. The fire caused massive damage to property, and potentially put their own and other people’s lives at risk.

“We know that the vast majority of young people are well behaved and responsible and we would urge them to use their influence to deter any of their peers if they ever think about starting fires.”

“We would also urge businesses to follow the steps we’ve highlighted to help reduce the threat of arson.”

If you would like free advice on the security of your premises, contact your local fire safety office or phone our Fire Safety Advice Line on 01609 788545.

If you have any information about a suspicious fire, call Crime stoppers Arson Alert. The Arson Alert number is 0800 555 111 - calls are free, callers do not have to give their name and callers may receive an award.