Merchants asked to take precautions with patrons & merchandise during the holiday season

On Nov. 25, Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the official kick-off of the Christmas Holiday shopping season.  Black Friday is a day when many individuals are out, before dawn, attempting to get the latest and greatest gifts at bargain prices.  As this date draws near, merchants are stocking their warehouses and stores with large quantities of merchandise for an anticipated busy shopping period.  Fire Chief Kevin McGee of Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue would like to remind merchants to take the following necessary precautions in protecting their patrons and merchandise during this holiday season: 

Storing Merchandise
• Keep all exits clear

• Keep exit access, exits, and exit discharge clear of merchandise and other items to ensure safe egress from the building

• Keep storage levels 18 inches from sprinkler heads - If no sprinkler system, keep merchandise 2 feet from ceiling and overhead support assembly

Customer Safety
• Monitor the crowds to maintain the proper occupancy load so that the possibility of overcrowding is eliminated

• Do Not Block extinguishers or access to sprinkler system control valves

• Limit decorations to ensure sprinkler system coverage is not reduced

• All decorations must be treated with a fire retardant

• Provide awareness regarding No Parking in fire lanes

• Provide awareness regarding Do Not Block fire department connections and hydrants

To ensure these threats are reduced, the County’s Fire Marshals will conduct spot checks throughout the holiday shopping season to ensure a fire safe community.  If you have any questions, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-792-6360.