HoW Arson Prevention Checklist

Title Page

Building Tours

Grounds Tour

Does lighting adequately illuminate all sides of the building and parking areas? Conduct a weekly night walk to check.
If exterior lights aren’t lit overnight, are motion-activated lights used near doors and windows?
Are any signs blocking the view of the building?
Are fire hydrants on the grounds and nearby both clear and accessible?
Is access to narrow spaces or gaps between portable structures blocked with fencing or other barriers?

Are exterior surveillance cameras working?
Are exterior doors and windows secured when unoccupied?
Is access to roofs, fire escapes, and outside stairways secured?
Are landscaping shrubs and trees trimmed to allow visibility about the buildings from the roadways and sidewalks?
Is mulch ground cover at least 18” away from the foundation?
Is access to crawl spaces and basement entry point secured?
Are exterior trash and recycling bins stored at least 10’ from the building and from under overhangs?
Are the covers to the trash and recycling bins secured during unoccupied areas or are the bins stored behind a secured fenced-in area?
Are all vents and screens to crawl space areas under the buildings and portable buildings?
Is skirting fitted at the base of portable buildings to prevent access under the structures?

Are non-occupied hours posted? If so, consider removal.
Are intrusion alarm systems installed and operating properly?
Are fire and smoke alarm systems installed and operating properly?
Are carbon monoxide alarms installed and operating properly?
Are the intrusion and fire/smoke alarm systems tied into a central reporting system and is it regularly tested, at least every year?
Are the carbon monoxide systems checked per manufacturer’s instructions?
Are flammable materials properly stored in a locked storage area? These materials include gasoline and oil, paints, and solvent-based cleaners.

Does staff training in fire safety including alarm activation and fire extinguisher use at employment and on an annual basis?
Has the local fire department been invited to tour the grounds and the building for fire safety?
Have fire drills been conducted on a regular basis in conjunction with the local fire department?
Has training been provided and taken by clergy and leaders on Crowd Management for addressing large-scale events? See MA Dept. of Fire Services website for info on Crowd Manager training.
Is someone assigned to tour the building exterior each morning to check for vandalism, graffiti, and evidence of loitering such as cigarette butts, discarded bottles and cans, trash? Is reporting of findings required to responsible parties?

Have neighbors been engaged regarding after-hours observations about the property?
Are neighbors encouraged to report suspicious activity and vehicles to the police as soon as possible?
Are members engaged on safety, security and arson prevention at community meetings?
Is arson prevention literature distributed to members via handouts, newsletter, email and social media?
Other:
Other:
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This checklist is a compilation of the following resources: Massachusetts State Police, Preventing Arson at Houses of Worship (May 17, 2019)
US Fire Administration, Community Arson Prevention, National Arson Awareness Week Media Kit (2010)
Brotherhood Mutual, Arson Prevention: Building/Property Checklist (2018)
SafeChurch: GuideOne Center for Risk Management, Arson Prevention Checklist, (2015)
MA Department of Fire Services, Crowd Manager Program (2019)