How to Prevent Arson in Commercial Buildings

12/15/2024 (Permalink)

Taking steps to prevent arson can save you a lot of stress and protect your investment. We share expert tips to reduce your risks of arson.

Arson is a serious threat to commercial buildings, leading to property damage, financial loss, and disruption to businesses. Taking steps to prevent arson can save you a lot of stress and protect your investment. In this blog, we’ll share expert tips to reduce your risks of arson.

Improve Your Building's Security

One of the best ways to prevent arson is by boosting your building’s security. A secure property is less likely to attract criminals, including arsonists.

• Install security cameras: Security cameras are a strong deterrent. Visible cameras signal that the property is being watched, making criminals think twice before taking action.
• Add outdoor lighting: Bright, well-lit areas reduce the chances of criminal activity. Use motion-sensor lights around the building, especially near entrances and parking lots.
• Control access: Limit who can enter the building by using keycard systems or other secure entry methods. This helps prevent unauthorized people from gaining access to your property.
• Hire security personnel: Consider hiring security guards for after-hours monitoring. Even the presence of a security officer can discourage criminal behavior.

Maintain a Fire-Resistant Landscape

Your landscaping can play a role in preventing arson. By making smart choices, you can reduce the chances of a fire starting or spreading.

• Clear debris: Remove dead leaves, branches, and other flammable materials from around your building. These items can easily catch fire and cause bigger problems.
• Use fire-resistant materials: Choose fire-resistant options like gravel or stone for walkways and flower beds instead of mulch or wood chips, which can catch fire more easily.
• Keep plants trimmed: Trim trees and bushes near the building to improve visibility and eliminate potential hiding spots for criminals.

Reduce Access to Flammable Materials

Arsonists often look for flammable materials to start fires, so reducing access to these items is an important step to preventing arson.

• Lock trash bins: Keep dumpsters and trash cans at least 10 feet away from the building and locked when not in use. These are common targets for arson.
• Store flammable liquids securely: If your business uses any flammable materials, like cleaning chemicals, keep them in locked storage areas.

Train Your Employees

Your employees are your first line of defense. Make sure they know what to look for and how to respond in case of an emergency.

• Provide fire safety training: Hold regular fire safety training sessions. Teach employees how to use fire extinguishers and identify exit routes.
• Encourage reporting: Let employees know that they should immediately report any suspicious behavior to management or local authorities.

Preventing arson in commercial buildings requires a proactive approach. By improving security, maintaining your property, and training your employees, you can protect your business from the devastating effects of arson.

If your commercial building has suffered from fire damage, SERVPRO of Downtown Memphis is Here to Help®. Our expert team specializes in fire damage restoration and will work quickly to get your business back on track. Contact us today for assistance.