A Cause For Alarm

• Over 2 million reported fires each year
• Of those 100,000 are arson fires
• 1,000's of those occur at churches & church related institutions
• Ten of millions of dollars in damage result annually
• 30,000 civilians are injured each year
• 6,000 civilians die each year

What Causes Fires in Churches?

• Arson is the leading cause of church fires
• A fire may be set for a variety of reasons:
  • Vandalism
  • Pyromania
  • Cover Evidence of Other Crimes
  • Revenge
  • For Profit
• Vandalism and cover up are the top two arson causes

Churches Burned By Arson

• In 1999 Clayton County Church set on fire to cover crime
• In 1999 an arson by two juveniles in a vacant apartment block in Holyoke, Massachusetts spread to 11 other buildings resulting in a multi-million dollar loss including a cathedral.
• In 1998 Henry County Church set on fire and destroyed by pyromaniacs
• In 1996 Clayton County Church set fire and destroyed by pyromaniacs
• Series of Church fires in Georgia set by Devil Worshiper, resulted in 1 firefighter losing his life
  

Arson Risk Assessment
- OUTSIDE

• Does your church have secured openings? Check both doors and windows.
• Does your church have adequate outside lighting?
• Do you trim your bushes and shrubs so they don't block the front of windows and doors from view?
• Do you have fencing to keep arsonists away from areas which are hidden from view?
  

Arson Risk Assessment
- INSIDE

• Do you have a properly operating burglar alarm system?
• Do you have working smoke detectors on each floor and do you test them weekly?
• Do you store all matches and lighters out of reach of children?
• Do you purchase furnishings that are less likely to burn?
• Do you have and practice an evacuation plan in case of an emergency?
• Do you limit the number of people who hold keys to your church?
  • Is there accountability?
• Do you keep your exits and stairways clear of empty boxes and other items that can burn?

What Causes Accidental Fires in Churches?

• Faulty wiring is second most common cause of church fires
  Many church building are old
• If your church building is 30 years old, you should have the wiring inspected by a qualified electrical contractor
• Other common causes: lightning, faulty furnaces and stoves, overheated organ motors, smoking materials, careless use of candles
  

Fire Prevention is The Key

• Prevention is the Best protection you can provide your church
• Prevention efforts must be ongoing to be effective
• Tour Building Interior Monthly
• Look for places where fires might start Piles of old rags
• Overloaded electrical sockets Storage too close to heat producing equipment
• Does Your Church have Bldg/Content insurance?

Structural Fire Safety

• Exit doors operate properly
• Exits free of obstructions at all times
• Exit signs light
• Any remodeling, additions, or repairs inspected by Fire Marshal's Office
• Have furnace cleaned & serviced annually by qualified professional
  

Housekeeping and Fire Safety

• Keep paper and cloth decorations away from light bulbs, wiring, and other sources of heat
• If you permit smoking in your church, provide a designated area with safety-type ash trays
• Clean up debris from gatherings on same day
• Don't use the Heat/AC room for storage
• Don't keep gasoline or gasoline powered equipment stored inside the church building
• Keep kitchen vent hood filters clean

Electrical Fire Safety

• Use proper size breakers/fuses
• Inspect all electrical cords now in use:
  • If Frayed, throw away
  • If Cracked, throw away
  • If Dried out, throw away
• Make sure all junction boxes have covers
• Check all major appliances for proper connections and grounding
• Make sure all wall sockets and light switches have face plates

Fire Extinguishers Are Tools

• For SMALL fires only
• 1 for every 2,500 square feet/each level Travel < 75 feet to reach extinguisher
• Types: A Ordinary combustibles fires B Flammable liquid fires C Electrical fires
• We recommend minimum 2A40BC
• Inspect monthly
• Have serviced annually
• P.A.S.S. to operate a fire extinguisher; get training