"Protecting Structures from Arson." Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Arson Prevention Initiative. no date.

Abstract: This pamphlet details steps to take to protect structures from arson:

• illuminate building exterior, entrances, and parking lots
• paint buildings a light color
• install burglar and fire alarm systems that transmit a message
• have heating and air conditioning systems checked semi-annually
• trim or remove shrubbery and signs that obstruct the view of the building from the street
• keep doors locked and bolted with hinge-pins on the inside (with proper interior releases in case of fire), keep tract of who has keys and change locks when keys are lost
• keep windows locked (preferably with spring-loaded bolts), barred (releasable from the inside) or protected with wire screens
• restrict access to the roof and upper floors
• consider fencing the property, preferably with wire fences that do not offer cover to an arsonist
• designate a liason to establish a relationship with the police and fire services, initiate a fire reporting procedure, keep names and phone numbers at hand, and request a fire prevention and security evaluation
• be wary of strangers, register guests, check credentials of service personnel, check on suspicious individuals, and make employees aware of the need to keep a record of suspicious activity
• establish a neighborhood watch program, increase watch presence during holidays and special events
• clean house by removing trash, unneeded materials, and other materials that could contribute to fire spread
• make a media event of your efforts

For more information, contact:
FEMA
500 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20472

or

National Emergency Training Center
Learning Resource Center
16825 South Seton Ave.
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Phone: 1-800-638-1821 or (301) 447-1030
Web Site: www.lrc.fema.gov