Arson prevention

Arson prevention tips for business

• Ensure you include the impact of arson in your workplace fire risk assessment. A large percentage of businesses fail to return to trading following a fire.
• Schools can be soft targets for arson. The impact on both the local community and pupils is potentially devastating. Speak to your local police crime prevention officer; they may be able to offer advice as to how you can protect your building.
• Protect your commercial property. Seek advice on security, good lighting and CCTV as these will often act as a deterrent to a criminal.
• Raise all incidents of arson, even the small fires, with your local neighbourhood watch members, the police and local fire station personnel.
• When closing down your business adopt a thorough close down procedure making sure external doors are locked, internal doors are closed, no unauthorised persons are left on the premises, alarms are switched on and there is no rubbish or waste left lying around.
• Arson attacks on farms and small holdings do happen. Take simple precautions to reduce the likelihood of this happening. Lighting around barns and outbuildings will deter the opportunist thief and the would-be arsonist.
• Contact your local Fire and Rescue Service, they are there to help.

If you require further fire safety advice regarding your business premises, please contact Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service's Fire Protection team on 01768812612.