Most of the time, fleet vehicles are on the move. However, there are situations—whether due to weekends, summer vacations, or economic slowdowns—where they need to be parked for extended periods. When that happens, they can become more vulnerable to risks like fire, theft, and vandalism. Taking the right precautions can help protect your fleet and ensure your vehicles are ready to go when needed.
How to reduce fire risks?
A fire in your parking lot can potentially destroy multiple vehicles and even spread to nearby buildings. Here’s how to minimize the risk:
- Pick the right spot – Park vehicles in a dry, safe, as far away from buildings as possible (minimum of 15 m).
- Avoid fire hazards – Keep vehicles away from fuel tanks, oxygen acetylene storage, and other combustible materials.
- Have fire extinguisher ready – Keep Type BC fire extinguishers available and make sure they are in good working condition.
- Check for leaks – Inspect under the vehicles for fluid leaks and clean up spills right away.
- Lower fuel levels – If possible, keep fuel tanks below a quarter full to reduce fire risks.
- Be careful with plug-ins – If a vehicle needs to be plugged in, limit the time and ensure it’s on an independent circuit.
- Inspect regularly – Check stored vehicles every two days to catch potential fire hazards early.
How to prevent theft and vandalism
Long-term parking can attract unwanted attention, but these steps can help keep your fleet secure:
- Make sure the area is well-lit: A brightly lit parking lot is less appealing to thieves.
- Use surveillance cameras: If cameras aren’t available, increase security patrols to monitor the lot.
- Lock everything up: Ensure doors, windows, and compartments are locked, and store keys securely.
- Turn on security systems: If your building has an alarm system, activate it for extra protection.
How to park safely?
Proper parking arrangements can reduce risks and improve safety for both school buses and coaches.
For school buses
- Park back-to-back in groups of four to eight buses.
- Leave a 3-meter gap between groups.
- Keep one fire extinguisher per group.
For coaches and city buses
- Disconnect battery cables: If vehicles will be parked for a long time, turn off battery switches to prevent battery drain.
- Secure the parking lot: Use fences, barriers and cameras to deter trespassers.
- No smoking: Enforce a no-smoking policy in the parking area.
- Take photos: Document where vehicles are parked in case of future disputes or incidents.
Be ready for emergencies
A fire safety plan should be in place and shared with emergency services. If vehicles are parked indoors, make sure an emergency plan is posted, with contact details for responsible personnel and emergency numbers.
By following these steps, you can help prevent major risks and keep your fleet safe while it’s off the road.
Protect yourself and your business
Despite your best efforts to ensure your fleet remains safe while off the road, sometimes things can still go wrong. That’s why having the right coverage in place is crucial. To learn more about how insurance can help protect your business, visit our Business Insurance page today!
