Arson
Prevention
Maintain good
housekeeping practices: Control the buildup of trash, soiled work rags and
other combustible debris. Waste receptacles and containers should be emptied at
the end of shifts.
Keep dumpsters, trashcans
and any combustible debris well away from buildings and from beneath canopies.
Necessary storage of combustible materials out of doors should be located in a
well-secured and lighted area.
Consider prudent security
measures including security patrols, recorded watch rounds, Closed circuit and
videotaped television, intrusion alarm systems.
Maintain fencing and
gates in good repair. Provide adequate security lighting inside and out.
Access within a facility
or building should be regulated. Non-employees should be restricted to public
areas. Storage areas and other nonpublic areas should be restricted from public
access. Non-employees (including contractors, vendors and service providers)
should be continuously monitored. Consider requiring visitors to sign in and
out, wear a distinctive badge and be accompanied by facility personnel whenever
possible.
Access to special areas
should be strictly controlled with key access and other restrictions if
necessary. Areas of special concern for arson include storage areas, rooms or
cabinets where flammable or combustible liquids are stored or any area where
combustible loading is substantial. Key control is critical. Only
issue keys to those persons needing access.
All exterior doors
subject to unauthorized entry should be closed and locked. Exterior doors, not
designated emergency exits, should be equipped with dead bolt locks having
a throw of at least one-inch. Emergency exits should be arranged to prevent
outside entry. A close of business/end-of-shift inspection should be made of
all possible entry points. This includes exterior doors, important interior
doors (for storage areas etc.) windows, roof hatches, fences and gates. Checks
should also be made for facilities that operate continuously.
Establish good
pre-employment screening practices that are within legal limits. This is most
important for unsupervised positions or those positions for which an employee
will have free access to many areas of a building or facility. This would
include maintenance personnel, security guards etc.
Automatic sprinkler
systems should be maintained in service at all times. It is preferred to lock sprinkler
control valves in the open position as well as conduct periodic recorded
inspections of valves. Valves may also be electronically supervised.
Security personnel should
be closely supervised. Watch rounds should audited.
Record and investigate
all false fire alarms. Be conscious of any developing pattern.
Record and investigate
incidents of vandalism, tampering with locks, fire protection or alarm systems.
Take threats of bombing,
fire and other violent action seriously by immediately contacting the police
department.
Vacant buildings should
be razed if no longer needed or of value. While
vacant, sprinkler protection should be maintained in service with adequate
heating or conversion to dry-pipe or non-freeze protection. Limit overgrowth of
vegetation; provide adequate securement to prevent
unauthorized access.
Commercial/Business
Series - 