Is your business safe from fire?

The lead up to Christmas can be a busy time for businesses so Staffordshire Fire and rescue Service (SFRS) is asking people to take the opportunity to review risk assessments and escape plans as they prepare for the holidays, as they may take on extra stock and new or seasonal staff. So far this year there have been 161 fires at businesses within Staffordshire, with 50 per cent (80) being set deliberately. 

In Staffordshire, the Service’s dedicated Business Support Team (BST) works with businesses throughout the year, offering free initial consultations, fire safety advice and business support packs. The team has worked with hundreds of local companies and organisations, helping them prevent fires and ensuring that when the worst happens they are fully prepared and equipped. 

Business support lead for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, John Berrisford said, “Seeing your livelihood go up in flames is undoubtedly a distressing time, but we are on hand to help begin the formal processes of contacting insurers, navigating the minefield of loss adjustment and guiding businesses through their recovery. 

“Our support can be adapted to suit any company. From helping businesses when they start up, guiding them though the various legislative requirements to make sure fire safety is business as usual, to helping established companies with continuity plans and staff training, right through to helping businesses pick up the pieces after an incident. 

“As a service prevention is our priority, we believe it’s far better to protect yourself so it’s much less likely that you will suffer a fire but if you do, then you know everything is in place to help you recover. 

“We’d encourage businesses to visit the dedicated pages of the website for information and advice on how to protect themselves from fire; accidental or arson. The downloadable ‘Resilient Business Software Toolkit’ can be accessed in the business support section of our website. The toolkit is underwritten by leading insurers and is administered by the Fire Protection Association. 

“Anyone who needs assistance completing the toolkit please get in touch, we are more than happy to provide support.”