Jan. 6, 1999
By Alice Smith*
Contact: Tim Tanton· (615)742-5470· Nashville, Tenn.
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.
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