Shops and stock kept safe this Christmas

With the Christmas shopping frenzy underway and the January sales just around the corner, shops and businesses will be well stocked, ready to make the most of this important retail period. However, high stock levels, decorations and a large volume of customers all multiply the fire safety risks for shop owners.

At this time of year and it would be natural for shop managers to focus on keeping the stock turning over to meet customers' expectations.  However it's equally important to make sure that in the event of an emergency the alarm can be raised and everyone can walk out to safety without the added danger caused by fire exits being obstructed.

To ensure the safety of both the general public and shop staff, we are advising businesses to check retail areas, stock rooms, loading bays and other external areas to make sure the following are easily accessible and/or free from obstruction:

• Escape routes and exits
• Fire alarm call points
• Fire exit signs
• Fire instruction notices and
• Firefighting equipment.