ascip

Schools and colleges have vacant buildings at times due to declining enrollment, program cessation or other reasons.  Vacant property poses risks and hazards including fire, water damage/mold, weather-related damage, damages due to lack of maintenance or supervision, and environmental exposures, along with a range of crime – vandalism, arson, theft of contents, sprinkler units and copper or other metals, etc.  Criminals target vacant buildings, especially those that are not secured and without power.

A study in Austin, Texas found that vacant buildings generate 1.8 times as many theft calls and twice the number of violent crimes.  The National Fire Protection Association reported in 2003-2006 that U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 31,000 structure fires in vacant buildings per year.  These fires resulted in $642 million in property damage per year.

 Tips to protect vacant property:

Consider letting another organization occupy your property at minimal to no charge to maintain the property.  If not feasible then:

1. Conduct and document frequent external and internal inspections of the vacant property, including roof area.
2. Maintain heating at 55^○ to keep pipes from freezing and AC at 85^○ to protect against humidity and mold.
3. Turn off the water supply.
4. Install alarm system with remote access to monitor premises remotely.
5. Keep all alarms in service -sprinkler, fire, smoke and/or intrusion detection.
6. Secure all perimeter doors and windows with deadbolt locks.
7. Install and maintain exterior and interior motion or timed lighting.
8. Remove any debris or hazardous materials, including unnecessary combustibles, pollutants or chemicals.
9. Electrical equipment and utilities not necessary for protection or security, should be turned off.
10. Suspend mail and delivery services.
11. Make the property appear occupied to minimize risks of crimes (i.e. maintain the exterior, mow grass, remove leaves, etc.)
12. Prevent leaks by checking roofs, keeping roof drains and gutters clean and check for damage or unauthorized access.
13. Notify neighbors, any alarm company, and local authorities including police and fire departments, that your building is unoccupied. Provide them with updated emergency contacts.
14. Post WeTip signs throughout property to encourage tips if unwelcomed activity occurs and to deter crimes.