West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) is urging business owners to undertake some simple checks on their buildings to ensure they remain safe during the coronavirus outbreak.
More business premises will be left unoccupied following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday (23 March) which saw all non-essential businesses told to close to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Adrian Murphy, Area Manager for Protection at WSFRS, said: “During such uncertain times, it is vital that we all continue to follow the government’s guidance on social distancing to ensure we do not put ourselves or others at risk.
“But there are some simple checks that all premises owners should consider carrying out to ensure their businesses remain secure and not at risk of fire. They should take no longer than five minutes to complete but they have the potential to save a business during already tough times.
“These have the potential to avert further risk, which in turn will help reduce demand on the fire service at this difficult time.”
Some business fire safety checks to carry out include:
- Check all fire alarms are working.
- Turn all electrical appliances off and unplugged if possible.
- Close all internal doors as well as external. This way if a fire breaks out it will stay contained to that room for longer and prevent further damage/loss.
- Dispose of your waste properly.
If you’re a business owner or employer and would like more information, or have any queries or concerns about fire safety at your premises, please contact: businessfiresafety@westsussex.gov.uk.
For more business fire safety advice visit, https://bit.ly/businessfiresafety.