
Arson Prevention for Congregations
Take steps now to reduce the potential of arson occurring at your church!
What Can Your Congregation Do?
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Participate in a Neighborhood Watch Program in your community.
- Install an Adequate Burglar Alarm System.
- Consider Installing Stronger Locks Along with Metal Clad Entrance Doors & Door Frames.
- Install Perimeter Floodlights Outside the Building. Use Motion Activated Lighting Near Doors and Windows.
- Trim Shrubs and Vegetation Low to the Ground to Hinder Criminals from Gaining Easy Access to the Building.
- Have your congregation check your church daily.
- Immediately report ANY suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities in or near your church.
If possible, record vehicle descriptions and tag numbers.
Remember as many specific things as possible about suspicious persons, because a good physical description may help police or fire officials to identify them.
- Alter activities at your church. Use it on different days and at different times if possible.
- Offer the use of your church parking lot as a "Park and Ride" location. This makes criminals think that the building is always occupied.
- Ask everyone living near your church to keep an eye on the building.
- Keep in touch with the law enforcement officials in your area.
Copyright © Oakland Fire Department 2009.
