According to a report by The Washington Post, it’s estimated that as many as 34 fires occur at religious houses of worship in the United States every week. Of these 34 fires that occur on a weekly basis to the likes of churches, mosques, temples and other religious properties, The Post states that three of them are large enough to cause significant property damage.
There are various different causes of fire at religious properties. For instance, malfunctioning furnaces, electrical issues, instrument failures and the improper use of candles are all common mishaps that can lead to fire. But another leading cause of fire to religious properties is arson. Noting all this, it’s important that religious properties have the proper fire safety protocols in place. Here’s a closer look at how this can be accomplished in such environments.
Keeping Places of Worship Safe from Fire
So what’s the best way to keep religious property safe from fire? Here’s a look at some tips and suggestions:
- Building inspection: Many religious places of worship are older buildings, meaning that aspects of the facilities may also be aging, outdated or malfunctioning. On this note, it can pay to have an annual building inspection scheduled on the property. During an inspection, a professional can assess the status of the electrical wiring, the HVAC equipment and many other things that could eventually lead to fire.
- Fire safety systems: In the event of a fire, the key to minimizing damage is having a system that can detect it early enough so that proper action can be taken to prevent its spread. That’s where a product like the Sonitrol Business Fire Alarm System can come in handy, as it works to detect smoke and heat, while integrating with a sprinkler system to manage the hazard. What’s more is Sonitrol is monitored by professionals 24/7 to more quickly dispatch firefighters if necessary.
- Security cameras: Unfortunately, arson is a common cause of fire to religious property. That said, it makes sense to install security cameras on the outside of the property in an effort to better deter wrongdoers. Of course, security cameras can also catch any suspects on tape as well, so that they can be prosecuted. That’s an area where Sonitrol’s business security camera system can help keep a property safe.
- Other safety tips: There are a variety of other tips that religious properties can adhere to in order to reduce the risk of fire. For instance, don’t store any flammable objects in close vicinity to heat-generating appliances or equipment. Make sure fire extinguishers are readily available in the event of an emergency. Install deadbolt locks on entry doors to better secure the building. Keep the outside grounds clear to discourage the spread of fires from outside to inside the property.
Fire safety for religious properties shouldn’t be an afterthought, but a priority. If you’re considering a verified fire security system for your business, contact Sonitrol today. We can work with your staff to best meet your safety needs today and well into your future.