About this Checklist

While ministries may feel vulnerable to arsonists, they are by no means powerless. The U.S. Fire Administration says that arson often is a crime of opportunity; that means religious organizations have the opportunity to prevent occurrences. Arson damage can be reduced or prevented with effective fire prevention and evacuation plans. This checklist covers the following questions to get you started:

1. Are all outside entrances to your building well-lit?

2. Do you keep trees and shrubs around your building trimmed and well-maintained?

3. Do you secure all windows, basement entries, and external stairways on your building?

4. Do you store flammable liquids in approved containers, either away from church property or under lock and key in a secure area within the church?

5. Do you store exterior trash containers away from the building to prevent a trash fire from spreading?

6. Do you regularly test your building’s alarm system and train ministry staff in its operation?

7. Do you maintain a good record of who knows your alarm system’s security code?

8. Do you change your alarm system’s security code on a regular basis?

Posted 2022
This is a sample document only. Your organization is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. Accordingly, this checklist should not be used or adopted by your organization without first being reviewed and approved by a licensed attorney in your state. Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company assumes no liability in the preparation and distribution of this checklist.