Merchants Urged to Take Precautions

Merchants Urged to Take Precautions regarding Patrons and Merchandise During Holiday Season

The official kick-off of the Christmas Holiday shopping season has begun as individuals are
out and about looking to purchase the latest and greatest gifts at bargain prices. Merchants
are stocking their warehouses and stores with large quantities of merchandise for an
anticipated busy shopping period. Chief Tom LaBelle, of the Prince William County Fire and
Rescue System, 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, exit pathways, and exit discharges clear of merchandise and other items.
  This includes stock rooms, display floor, and corridors.
• Keep access to all Fire and Life Safety system controls (Sprinkler and Fire Alarm) clear.

• Keep storage levels 18 inches from sprinkler heads.
  • If no sprinkler system, keep merchandise 2 feet from ceiling and overhead
    support assembly.
• Manage and reduce trash, debris, and combustibles actively throughout events and
  store hours. DO NOT allow combustibles to pile up. This may exceed the capacity of
  the sprinkler system and increase the risk of fire.

Customer Safety

• Monitor the crowds to maintain the proper occupancy load so that the possibility of
  overcrowding is eliminated.
• Ensure the safety and security of patrons lined up for the “big sale.” This means
  keeping access and emergency egress open for guests and first responders. DO NOT
  BLOCK Fire Lanes and entrances/exits. Have crowd managers on site to help manage
  the flow and direct first responders should an incident occur.
  • 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, please contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-792-6360.