Fire safety is on the Christmas shopping list as inspectors make spot checks on stores across Cleveland.
It comes with the busy run-in to the big day with thousands of shoppers out and about in a final rush to get that last minute present. Shops will have larger stocks than usual to cater for the demand and this must be carefully managed as it can lead to increased fire risks.
Joe Flounders, Head of Fire Engineering, Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “This is the busiest time of year for our shops, and we just want to make sure they are safe for everybody.
Our fire safety inspections are just entering into the festive spirit and the season of goodwill by offering support and advice to make safety the most important Christmas gift of all. They will be Christmas shopping to point out any danger areas and remove the potential for a fire.
“Things like blocking exits, opening fire doors, or piling stock too near sprinklers or blocking off smoke detectors can create potential risks. There may also be a big build-up of rubbish and this needs to be well away from buildings in a secure compound. Also, staff need to know the escape routes in the event of a fire.”
“This is traditionally the busiest time of the year, and the risks of a potential fire could possibly increase if important safety steps are not carefully followed to ensure everyone’s safety”.
“Cleveland Fire Brigade is committed to helping businesses reduce the risk of fire and be compliant with fire safety law.”
All large premises, such as shops, are recommended to have sprinklers in place. They act as a preventative measure so that people can evacuate the building in the event of a fire and there is clear evidence that sprinklers can be effective in stopping fires spreading and reduce the intensity. Damage from fire and water is minimal, as are installation costs.
For more business advice visit https://www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/business-advice/
