To Our Local Businesses and Media Partners: 

As the holiday shopping season approaches, the Charlottesville Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. 

During this busy shopping season when the dynamics of your stores and businesses change to accommodate the increase in shoppers and the increased stock associated with the holiday season; the following information is provided to help keep your businesses and customers safe.

• Storage in the stock areas should be neat and orderly.
   
• Exits must be maintained:
  • The main exits must be maintained and free of obstructions. 
  • Aisles must not be obstructed by displays or additional kiosks.
  • Rear exits must not be blocked by additional stock or debris.
     
• Holiday decorations can be a fire hazard.
  • Combustible decorations are not allowed.
  • The use of extension cords as permanent wiring or through the aisles / exits is prohibited. 
  • Natural cut trees are prohibited.
  • Open flames such as candles and lanterns are prohibited. 
     
• Do not become overcrowded. 

The Charlottesville Fire Department will be conducting our annual Business Holiday Inspections Program from now until Jan. 2, 2010.  These inspections are intended as a way of identifying fire safety hazards and to provide recommendations for safe and prompt resolutions.

If you have any other specific questions, please call the Charlottesville Fire Marshal’s Office at 970-3325.

Again, the Charlottesville Fire Department wishes everyone a safe, happy and prosperous Holiday Season!