|
POLICE FIRE SAFETY CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE
Protecting Domestic and Commercial Properties from Accidental and Deliberate Fire.
Fire safety is a shared responsibility. The following guidelines are issued to help property owners, tenants, and business managers significantly reduce the risk of accidental fires and the likelihood of arson.
SECTION 1: DOMESTIC PROPERTY FIRE SAFETY
The majority of domestic fires are accidental, often caused by cooking or electrical faults. Preventing these is the first line of defence.
1. Alarm Systems and Planning
* Install and Test Smoke Alarms: Fit smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them weekly by pressing the test button.
* Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Install a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with fuel-burning appliances (boilers, gas fires, etc.).
* Escape Route Plan: Plan and practice an escape route with all occupants. Ensure everyone knows at least two ways out, if possible, and establish a designated safe meeting point outside the property.
* Keys and Access: Keep house, windows and car keys in case of emergency in an easily accessible, designated spot that all household members know, but that is also out of sight from windows and doors to prevent burglary. 2. Electrical and Appliance Safety
* Never Overload Sockets: Avoid using adaptor plugs and extension leads for high-current appliances (heaters, washing machines, etc.).
* Check Electrical Leads: Regularly inspect electrical leads for damage, fraying, or cracking. Replace damaged leads immediately.
* Turn Off Appliances: Switch off and unplug appliances such as hair straighteners, chargers, and televisions when leaving the property or going to bed.
* Cooking Safety: Never leave cooking unattended, especially when frying with oil. Keep flammable materials (tea towels, paper) away from the hob.
3. Arson Prevention (Securing the Exterior)
* Secure Waste: Store bins and recycling containers away from the building, especially overnight. Never leave large amounts of refuse or flammable materials near external walls.
* Mailbox Security: Consider using a metal container or safe receptacle for mail delivery to prevent arson attempts via the letterbox.
* Maintain Exterior Areas: Keep garages, sheds, and exterior storage areas locked. Do not store flammable liquids (petrol, cleaning solvents) inside the main dwelling.
SECTION 2: COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FIRE SAFETY
Businesses must adhere to statutory fire safety regulations. These measures focus on compliance and robust prevention against targeted attack. 1. Risk Assessment and Compliance
* Designated Responsible Person: Ensure a designated 'Responsible Person' oversees all fire safety measures and training.
* Formal Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) and review it annually, or after any significant change to the premises layout or operations.
* Staff Training: Provide mandatory fire safety induction and regular refresher training for all employees, focusing on recognizing fire risks and knowing evacuation roles. 2. Fire Protection Equipment
* Working Alarms and Detection: Install and regularly maintain fire detection systems, ensuring they meet British Standards.
* Extinguishers: Provide appropriate fire extinguishers for the type of business (e.g., CO2 for electrical fires, foam for flammable liquids). Ensure staff are trained on how and when to use them.
* Evacuation Drills and Routes: Conduct mandatory evacuation drills at least once per year. Ensure all fire exits are clearly marked, free of obstructions, and open easily from the inside. 3. Arson Prevention and Security
* Waste Management: This is the highest risk area for commercial arson. Secure all commercial waste (skips, bins, excess packaging) in locked compounds or inside the premises away from the building footprint. Arrange for prompt waste collection.
* Perimeter Security: Ensure perimeter fencing, gates, and loading bays are secured, especially out of hours. Consider installing anti-climb measures.
* Site Vulnerabilities: Check for and secure any vulnerabilities such as open windows, broken fencing, or access to the roof.
* CCTV and Lighting: Install adequate security lighting (dusk-till-dawn or motion-activated) and CCTV coverage, particularly focused on waste areas and external entry points. REMEMBER: IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE
* Get Out: Immediately evacuate the premises via the nearest safe route.
* Stay Out: Never go back inside a burning building for people, pets, or possessions.
* Call 999: Call the Fire Service immediately from a safe location.
Report suspicious activity to the police immediately. Your vigilance is our best tool against deliberate fire-setting. | 
