Protecting Your Building and Your Business Against Arson

Every year tens of thousands of buildings are damaged by the purposeful lighting of fires. Not only does arson deplete a business' profits with costly repairs, it can also present a grave safety risk for the buildings' inhabitants and rescue crews.

Unfortunately, most arson situations are unpredictable random acts by vandals who are taking advantage of opportunity. This means that every building and every business is a potential target. However, this also means that there are ways that you can reduce the risk that you will become an arson victim.

Here are some ways that you can reduce the risk. . .

Evaluate Your Property's Perimeter

Keep would-be arsons away from your building and deter opportunistic fire setting by:

• Installing security fencing or reinforcing gates with secure padlocks
• Fitting security on external doors such as locks, coded systems, and alarms
• Fitting windows with key-operated window locks
• Installing steel linings on doors and steel grilles/bars on windows
• Fitting a CCTV system with recording facilities. Not only will this deter any security breeches, it will also record any that occur

Establish Secure Practices

There is plenty that you and your staff can do to deter arsons and make your business a less welcoming target. Implement any or all of these strategies:

• When you close for the evening, be sure to lock every entrance to the main building and all outbuildings
• Secure flammable liquids and gases in locked areas that are away from plain sight
• Lock waste in enclosed skips and them as far away from the building as possible. Waste is a popular target for arsons

Stay Aware

Arson is a crime of opportunity and often the fire-setters are familiar with their target. Be aware of who is spending time around your business, both during working hours and after. Stay alert by:

• Installing a CCTV system and scheduling a regular review of the tapes. Note any suspicious behaviour such as a recurrent after-hours visitor, and alert the authorities
• Visiting your business after hours. You do not have to stop by every night, but occasional visits can help alert you to potential risks
• Keeping up-to-date personnel files on all staff. We all hope that our employees are reliable and trustworthy, and up-to-date information will ensure that you are aware of who has access to your building at all times

This information is simply a quick guide to get you started on your way to securing your business against arson. As a crime of opportunity, there are many things you can do to make your business a less welcoming target, but the risk will still remain. This is why adequate building and content cover is one of the best insurances against arson damage and its threat to your business.

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