ARSON

PREVENTION

FOR AMERICA'S

CHURCHES AND

SYNAGOGUES
SECURING THE BUILDING

EXTERNAL SECURITY

Arsonists, like burglars, fear light.

l Illuminate the exterior and

entrances.

l Use motion-activated lighting near

doors and windows.

l Keep shrubbery and trees trimmed

so building can be observed by

passing patrols.

l If in a rural setting, ensure crops

are far enough away to allow

proper illumination of the area.

l Do not allow church signs to block

the view of the building.

l Many churches have basement

entries that are hidden from view.

These should be secured with locking ground-level doors when

church is not in use.

l Ladders, external stairways and fire

escapes allowing access to roof

should be secured.

l Painting the building white or constructing it with light-colored brick

makes a human figure more readily

seen at night.

l Consider fencing the areas or sides

that are not readily visible to patrols

or neighbors.
INTERNAL SECURITY

l Use properly installed deadbolt

locks on all exterior doors.

l Windows that can be opened

should have adequate locks on

them.

l Consider decorative or wrought

iron protection for windows.

(Windows used as emergency exits

must still be able to be opened in

an emergency.) Doors should have

similar protection.

l Installation of a combination burglar

and fire alarm with a phone dialer

should be considered.

l If there is a private security firm in

your area, consider a contract with

them as they will check the building

at unscheduled intervals.
l Keep a current list of all individuals

that have access to church keys

and change locks periodically.

COMMUNITY AWARENESS

AND COOPERATION

l Keep church leaders informed of

problems.

Be aware of individuals who may

be disgruntled or likely to cause

damage to church property through

arson or vandalism.

Be aware that vandalism may

precede arson!

l Open avenues of communication

with fire and law enforcement

officials regarding the arson

problem churches are facing.

Appoint a person from the church

to be a liaison with law and fire

officials.
l Promote neighborhood watches

and educate the neighbors with

the lighting arrangements

(motion rights, etc.).

Initiate an arson hotline.

Educate neighbors on recognizing

unusual activities.

Encourage neighbors to make

note of strangers spending time

in the neighborhood, either on

foot or in vehicles. Write down

the license plate numbers of

suspicious vehicles and inform

the proper authorities.

Have all guests register and remove

registry from church each night.

Raise public awareness through

the news media that the problem

exists.

Be aware that individuals may pose

as service technicians to get into

the church.

Arsonists may be carrying a liquid

accelerant in an inconspicuous

container, such as a beverage

container.

l Do not advertise on church signs

or bulletins when church will not

be in use.

l Involve your insurance agent.
International Assn. of Arson Investigators

300 South Broadway, Suite 100

St. Louis, MO 63102

(314) 621-1966

Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

4211 Highway 146 • Grinnell, IA 50112 • (515) 236-6121