Fire Department Advises Merchants During Holiday Season

• From Prince William County Fire Department: 

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the official kick-off of the Christmas Holiday. Before dawn, many individuals are out and about in an attempt to get the latest and greatest gifts at bargain prices. In an all out effort to reap benefits of one of the most profitable days, merchants have stocked their warehouses to the brim. Yet with all the hustle and bustle, Fire Marshals of the 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

• Maintain exit discharge
• Keep all exits clear
• Keep storage levels 18 inches from sprinkler heads 
  • If no sprinkler system, keep merchandise two feet from ceiling and overhead support assembly

Customer Safety

• Limit merchandise on sales floor to ensure clear exits and exit discharge
• 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 that the community threat is eliminated the County Fire Marshal will conduct compliance spot checks during the holidays.