Matt Sauer
Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia
Inspired Summer 1998, Volume 13, Number 2

Protecting Your Historic Property

We would all like to concentrate solely on the beautification and simple enjoyment of our sacred and historic spaces, but theft, fire, and vandalism are unfortunate realities. As an aid in implementing a comprehensive fire and security plan for your historic religious property, we have assembled a list of tips and printed resources for protecting buildings, their contents, and most importantly, the people who use them.

In addition, the Preservation Alliance's Historic Religious Properties Program, in collaboration with the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust and the Alliance's Historic Places Program, will present a workshop on "Securing Historic Properties" on Tuesday, September 15, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park.

Fire Prevention

Routine maintenance can go a long way towards preventing fires. Remove trash promptly and make sure exiting paths are clear. Have flues checked regularly for cracks since hot gases escaping from damaged flues can cause fires. Check for debris in the base of the flue by regularly inspecting the cleanout in the boiler room.

Avoid the use of space heaters. These pose a fire risk, not to mention potential carbon monoxide risks. Avoid overburdening the electrical system, especially by using too many extension cords. Another potential hazard is using a bigger fuse than is rated for your electrical service.

Consider lightning protection, especially for structures with steeples, domes, or cupolas, or for buildings in isolated locations. If you suspect your building has been struck by lightning, perhaps because your burglar alarm goes off inexplicably, inspect the building carefully, especially the roof and attic. Fires can smolder for hours before becoming visible. Form a strong relationship with the neighbors immediately adjacent to your property. Passersby or neighbors first detect most fires in churches.

Create a safety inspection committee. Periodic inspections of your building can reveal hazardous conditions. Meet with members of your local fire department. Familiarize them with your building. For example, make sure they know which of your stained glass windows are most valuable and should be kept intact if they need to break windows to get into the building. If possible, make sure they can contact someone with keys to the building. Keep detailed building documentation and appraisals off-site.

Is your insurance coverage adequate? Go over your policy with your insurance agent. Additional coverage may be necessary to cover items like organs, stained glass, murals, and other high-replacement cost features of your building. Make sure you have enough insurance to completely rebuild if the worst happens. Make a list of all the activities that take place in your church to map out potential liabilities. Ask your insurer about discounts for the installation of fire detection and suppression systems.

Security

Routine maintenance can be a deterrent since vandals and burglars are drawn to unkempt properties. Building exteriors should be well lit on all sides. Keep shrubs and fences low and free of vines or weeds: don't help to mask the activities of a burglar or vandal. All building entrances should be brightly lit and emergency exits should be armed with alarm systems.

Secure electronic and audio-visual equipment, or keep it out of sight from windows. These items are the most likely to be stolen from churches and other places of worship. Take a building inventory and keep it off-site. If a burglar strikes, a quick check can determine exactly what was lost. Establish a policy for keys to your facilities and know who has access to your building.

Vandalism

If vandals strike, take photographs to document the damage. Contact the police and your insurance company. Give both a detailed description of the type of vandalism your building suffered, and when the damage was first detected. When dealing with graffiti, remember that prompt removal can avoid permanent staining and discoloration. Be sure, though, to carefully test the solvent on the building's surface to avoid adverse staining or pitting of stone, brick, or metal.

Consider installing window protection only if you have experienced multiple acts of vandalism. Metal mesh grates are preferable to plastic panels such as Lexan, which can cause condensation to build up against your windows if installed improperly.

If the defacing of your property is racially, ethnically, or religiously motivated, carefully consider contacting the media. Often, the root of such vandalism is attention seeking. Should the media become involved, appoint one member of your clergy or laity to act as spokesperson. This will ensure that statements made on behalf of your institution remain consistent and avoid contradiction

Other Resources

The Guidebook on Institutional Security. Published by the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith.

"Maintenance: Property Insurance," Common Bond, vol. 12, no. 3, December 1996. Published by the New York Landmarks Conservancy.

"Blessed Insurance," Your Church, July/August 1996.

"Take Time for a Church Insurance Checkup," The Clergy Journal, October 1996.

"Insuring That You Carry Proper Insurance," Inspired, Spring 1994.

"Secure and Safe?," Your Church, March/April 1997.

"Security" issue, Your Church, November/December 1994.

Risk Management: A Guide to Insurance, Accident Prevention, Property Protection, and Maintenance for Churches. Published in 1989 by the National Association of Church Business Administration. Property and Casualty Insurance for Historic Sites and House Museums. Brochure published by The National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Removing Graffiti. Brochure published by the New York Landmarks Conservancy. In addition to these publications, your local police and fire departments can generally help with drafting security and fire prevention plans. The expense of time and money will be more than made up for in peace of mind, knowing that your sacred space is well protected.