Council and democracy

Methods to Prevent Arson

Arson kills and arson destroys jobs - yet there are many simple things everyone can do to reduce the change of an arson attack.

Make sure everyone is aware that they have a responsibility in fire safety - think of all the ways in which someone could start a fire deliberately – inside or outside the premises. Follow these practical tips to minimise the risk of suffering an arson attack

Remember

• It is a fact that most of the arson fires affecting premises are lit outside. The culprits are often young vandals with no other motive than to cause trouble. They light their fires with anything readily to hand – waste, packaging, rubbish in open skips, plastic trays. How easily could it happen?
• Fires are also lit inside the premises – by people who are mentally ill, by extremists (e.g. “animal rights” activists), even by a member of staff with some kind of grudge. How easily could a fire be started or an incendiary device be concealed?
• Keep aware - have there previously been small fires in the building? Have you heard of fires occurring locally? If so, tell the police and be especially on the look-out. Small fires are all too often a warning of worse to come.

Make the premises as arson-proof as possible

• Limit as far as possible the number of entrances in use (but do not lock fire exits when the building is occupied).
• Keep a watch 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 practice vigilance.
• As part of staff training remind all employees of the arson threat and ask them to report any suspicious behaviour by visitors (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 – to stop lighted paper being pushed under them.
• If there is a letter-box it should have a metal container fitted on the inside (to contain any fires from lighted rags or paper).
• Keep a list of people holding keys. Chase any that are missing.
• Identify possible entry routes for intruders – i.e. via yards, up drain-pipes, on to flat roofs. What can be done to prevent such access?
• Special danger areas are storage and warehousing. There has to be a rule that access is only available to authorized members of staff.
• Is there a system – or should there be – for leaving lights on at night?

Deal with the waste and rubbish threat

• No packaging, waste, rubbish left to accumulate anywhere on the premises.
• Packaging, waste, rubbish, moved regularly to a safe storage place.
• Safe storage means metal bins with closed lids preferably locked away in their own compartment.
• Arrange regular/frequent collection of refuse/waste by local authority or contractor.

Make the following checks daily

• First thing in the morning ensure that fire extinguishers and hose reels are ready to use, that fire escape doors are unlocked and fire doors not wedged open.
• During the day encourage staff to look out for possible dangers, to carry out periodic inspections to ensure that all parts of the premises are safe.
• At closedown check that no dangers are left behind, no combustible material lying around, no unauthorized people left on the premises, doors and windows are securely fastened, alarms switched on, interior lights or security lighting switched on.

Make the following weekly checks

• Check that the security system, fire detection system, sprinkler installation are fully operational.

Further information can be obtained from the Arson Prevention Bureau or the Fire Prevention Association at fpa@thefpa.co.uk