wfn.org | Churches can take steps to prevent arson

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Jan. 6 1999        Contact: Tim Tanton*(615)742-5470*Nashville, Tenn.
10-71B{008}

NOTE:  This is a sidebar to UMNS #007.

By Alice Smith*

John W. Oxendine, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner for Georgia, is
urging churches to take precautions in the wake of five recent church
burnings.
 
He offers these tips for preventing arson and making churches more secure.

Preventing arson   
*	Participate in a neighborhood watch program.
*	Encourage neighbors and church members to take note of strangers
spending time in the neighborhood, both on foot or in cars; to record tag
numbers of suspicious vehicles; and to inform the proper authorities of
suspicious activities.
*	Check for proper identification from utility and service technicians
seeking to gain access to the church facility.
*	Keep church leaders informed of any problems, and be aware of
disgruntled individuals who might cause damage to church property.
*	Remember vandalism and burglary may precede arson.
*	Contact your insurance provider for further recommendations.
*	Request an arson risk assessment from your local fire marshal or
police department.

Securing the building

*	Illuminate the exterior and all entrances. Consider installing
motion-activated lighting near door and windows.
*	Make sure church grounds and parking areas have adequate security
lighting.
*	Trim shrubbery and trees so that criminals will be less likely to
seek entry and so passing patrols can more clearly see the grounds.
*	Consider fencing areas that are not easily visible to patrols or
neighbors.
*	Secure ladders, external stairways or fire escapes that allow access
to roof areas.
*	Secure basement entries by locking ground-level doors that can be
opened from the inside.
*	Consider installing a burglar and fire alarm system.
*	Keep a current list of all individuals who have access to church
keys, and change the locks periodically.
*	Make sure opening doors and windows have adequate locks, but
emergency exit doors must be operable from inside the building. Consider
installing decorative or wrought iron protection for windows (coordinate
with fire department about the type of security bars).

# # #

*Smith is executive director of the Georgia United Methodist Communications
Council.

United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
Releases and photos also available at
http://www.umc.org/umns/