CHATHAM-KENT (May 23, 2023) – Members from Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue, Chatham-Kent Police, Economic Development and the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA hit the streets of downtown Chatham and Wallaceburg to promote a new program dedicated to arson prevention.
The Arson Prevention for Your Business program is aimed to educate business owners about fire prevention – specifically arson, which is often a crime of opportunity, making it important for businesses to take proactive steps to address the risk.
“A fire at any business can greatly impact operations and is a set back for owners and the surrounding community,” explains Fire Chief Chris Case. “This can be even more devastating when the fire was intentionally lit. Our goal is to protect the core of our communities, by saving lives, protecting livelihoods and we continue to explore partnerships to support our businesses.”
The program outlines simple steps owners, and their staff can take, including property maintenance, keep combustibles out of sight and practicing fire safety.
“This is a unique and strategic partnership between Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue, Police, and Economic Development,” said Stuart McFadden, Director of Chatham-Kent Economic Development. “We wanted to leverage our community relationships to encourage CK business owners and operators to think proactively, instead of reactively, about fire prevention and stop potential disaster before it happens.”
Visits are scheduled for Blenheim and Dresden tomorrow May 24. Other communities will be visited in the weeks following.
For more information on how to protect your business visit Prevention for Your Business (chatham-kent.ca)
