Building professionals help churches avoid fires

It is estimated that 2,500 church fires occur every year causing more than $60 million in property loss. In Alabama, the state fire marshal’s office reports 14 church fires during the past three years with many facilities being fully destroyed.
   
Richard Montgomery, the acting state fire marshal, emphasizes the church’s responsibility in preventing fires by following the following simple safety rules.
   
–Always use a certified electrician to install wiring.
   
“Wiring is our main thing that causes accidental fires,” said Montgomery, a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Moulton. “State law requires that a certified electrician install any wiring in any place of assembly.”
   
–Use an architect when designing your facility.
   
According to Montgomery, state law also requires the services of an architect on any assembly building more than 2,500 square feet. This professional would ensure that the building is designed with an electrical system that suits its needs.
   
“A lot of the problems that we have had in the past is a lot of older churches, especially in rural areas, are built by volunteers and a lot are not built according to fire and building codes,” he said. “A lot of them have electrical systems that are not adequate to service the entire church.”
   
–Never add anything to the church electrical system or use extension cords.
   
Montgomery noted that church fires are often caused by overloaded electrical systems.
   
–Turn everything off before leaving the building.
   
–Never store gasoline or any other flammables inside the church.
   
–Be careful when using candles for various events.
   
–Never place heaters close to walls.
   
–Place fire extinguishers in the church.
   
In the case of a fire, Montgomery recommends that church leaders completely evacuate the building and call 911.