BOARD UP PROCEDURES
These procedures
are intended to protect buildings that are temporarily vacant pending rehabilitation
and use.
“HARDENING THE TARGET” BOARD UP PROCEDURES:
Protecting valuable buildings from the weather from illegal
entry can be accomplished by improving security, organizing block watches,
improving lighting, periodic patrols, and by following these directions.
1.
DISCONNECT ALL UTILITIES AT THE STREET
A.
Turn off water at the street and drain the system to its lowest point. Leave
faucets open and put anti-freeze in all traps containing water.
B.
Have the utility company disconnect electricity at the street and remove
and cap meters.
C.
Shut off LNG supply at the street. Disconnect and remove LPG and heating
oil tanks.
2.
REMOVE ALL FLAMMABLES AND COMBUSTIBLES FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE
THE BUILDING
A.
Remove all upholstered furniture, combustible materials and trash from the
building, including he basement and attic.
B.
Remove trash and trash containers and combustible furniture from exterior
stairwells, porches, fire escapes and outbuildings.
C.
Remove shrubbery and vegetation that could support or spread a fire.
3.
SECURE THE BUILDING TO PREVENT ENTRY
A.
Search the entire building to ensure that it is unoccupied.
B.
Remove doors and storm windows and place in storage.
DETERMINING HOW MUCH PROTECTION IS NEEDED
1.
Opening in the basement, first floor doors and windows and any point of
entry accessible from a porch, fire escape or other potential climbing point
require additional security measures. These openings should be barricaded
with plywood, 2x4s, bolts and nails.
2.
Openings that are at least 10’ from ground level which are not accessible
from a porch, fire escape, roof, or other climbing point can be secured
with mails in each brace, and every 12” around the perimeter. For these
openings snugly against the exterior frame, butting up to the siding on
wood frame buildings and up to the brickwork on brick buildings. It may
be necessary to remove the staff bead so this fit can be flush and tight.
BOARDING UP
1. Cut plywood to fit over the window and door openings, flush with outside of the molding.
Note: For buildings with metal door and window frames
the alternative is to cut the plywood 2x4s to fit the
Inside of the door frame butted up
against the band molding.
2.
Cut the 2x4s to fit the horizontal dimension of the plywood. You will need
two 2x4 exterior and two interior braces for each window and three sets
for each door. For buildings with metal doors and window frames the 2x4s
for the outside will be cut to the dimensions of the plywood, fitting inside
the door frame, against the band molding. For the inside the 2x4s will be
cut to the outside dimension of the door or window frame.
3.
Pre drill 3/8th inch holes in the plywood and the braces.
4.
The holes will be placed approximately 1/3 of the length of the brace from
each outside edge of the door and window jam.
5.
The two window braces will be places 1/3 of the length of the brace from
each outside edge of the door and window jam.
6.
The three door braces will be placed; one in the center of the doorway,
and one half the distance from the center to the top and to the bottom of
the doorway.
7. Place the plywood over the exterior opening and nail to the frame.
For metal frames place the plywood and braces
inside
the frame against the band molding.
8.
Place the 2x4 braces over the interior and exterior of the door or window.
9.
Place the large washer over the carriage bolt and place the bolt through
the holes.
10.
Place washer and nut inside and tighten securely. Torque the nut so that
it slightly compresses the interior 2x4.
After all entrances are secured, the interior
worker should exit the building, using a ladder. Through a window, if such
exists, at least 10 feet above the ground. Nail or screw a plywood sheet
over the worker’s exit. Patrol the building periodically to check the
security.
TO REQUEST ARSON PREVENTION MATERIALS:
National Arson Prevention Clearinghouse
1-800-603-3100
Materials available include:
- General Arson Prevention Literature
- Video: Fighting Church Arson
- Church Arson Prevention Literature
- Arson Prevention Brochures
- Juvenile Firesetter Brochures
- Arson Threat Assessment Guides for:
- Communities, Churches, Buildings
- Information on Arson Classes and
- Courses delivered by the National
