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News & Developments

Arson and loss-prevention tips

April 24, 2008 - From OSBA's Spring 2008 Critical Issues Newsletter

• If buildings are vacant for summer or holidays, make sure the staff checks them every day or every couple of days.
• Keep security systems on in vacant buildings.
• Keep enough heat on in vacant buildings to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Ask staff and community members to help patrol school facilities during non-school hours. If suspicious, they should call police.
• Stay in touch with police and fire officials; encourage safety drive-bys; let them know the usual status of lights, etc.
• Illuminate building exteriors and entrances.
• Trim or remove shrubbery and signs that obstruct views of facilities.
• Restrict access to roofs and upper floors.
• Keep school grounds clear of combustible materials such as landscape trimmings, newspapers, left-over paint, old rags and other trash.
• Make sure storage and infrequently visited areas are secure.

All school fires must be reported to authorities and investigated. ORS 476.210 & .030, OAR 837-040-0010, OFC 401.3