When your facilities are not occupied, whether just overnight or when remote learning during the pandemic leaves school buildings vacant for prolonged periods, you are more vulnerable to property crimes, including vandalism, arson and burglary. Vehicles left dormant on school grounds are also potential targets that can turn into costly losses for your district. Empty structures can also fall victim to damage caused by breakdowns such as plumbing leaks, electrical malfunctions, and pest infestation that can go undetected over time.
Regular inspection of your property along with preventive measures to deter vandalism, arson and break-ins can help your schools avoid property losses.
Inspection Plan – Create a plan to have qualified personnel regularly inspect buildings, utilities and mechanical systems to keep them in working order and identify failures promptly. In locations where freezing temperatures are possible, implement mitigation against bursting pipes.
Secure Fences and Gates – Keep gates locked after school hours and repair any fencing defects.
Electronic Surveillance – Where feasible, consider the use of security cameras, motion detectors and sensors that alert you to intrusion, smoke and fire, or flooding.
Eliminate Flammable Materials – Trash and weeds can be easily set on fire. Keep dumpster bins locked at night and separated from buildings that a dumpster fire could damage.
"Deter vandalism, arson and burglary to avoid property losses."
Effective Lighting – Keeping property more visible deters vandalism and break-ins.
Neighborhood Watch – Get to know your school’s neighbors and encourage them to report any unusual activity they see happening around the school property.
Enhance Awareness – Discourage property criminals with signs that surveillance is in use and that your district is committed to prosecuting vandalism and arson.
Vehicles Out of Harm’s Way – Keep district vehicles in garages or behind fences a safe distance from boundaries.
Mitigate Property Incidents – After law enforcement investigates a school property crime, restore the damage as soon as possible. Clean up or mask graffiti promptly to demonstrate to vandals that their marks will not remain.
Your Keenan representative can help you assess your property risks and help you implement effective loss control steps to lessen your exposure to vandalism and arson.