,Udd'iw;ff=$m Western Building Material Association NEWS

By R0SS KINCAID executive vice president

THE l,UI\4BERMEN'S I ndennriting Alr liunt'. has suggested the follorting pre' cautionary measures to protect property in the event of a riot or civil disturbance. They are in response to many inquiries from their policyholders and are being passed on to you {or consideration if such disturbance are likely in your area.

(l) Watch Seruice-Someone on lhe prem' ises at all times discourages breakins and trespassing. In case of fire, Watchmen can promptly notify the Fire Department and then be very helpful in fighting the fire to prevent its spread. Watch dogs on the premises are of great assistance to the Watchman.

Fenccs have been a material benefit in protecting propcrty during these in' cidents. If possible, prect a solid wood or cyclone lence of seven feet or more. Where fcnccs already exist, be sure they are in good condition and that adequate clear space is maintained between the fence and any material that could be used by vandals as an aid to scaling the fence.

All window and, door opcnings should be protected and equipped with strong locks and bars where practical. Have matcrial on hand for boarding-up of windows during riot conditions. This helps to reduce damage possibilities.

V cll lighted properties discourage vandals and assist watchmen in observine conditions during their tour of the property. l'Iake sure that all of your first aid fire fighting appliances are in good 'n'orking order.

Be sure to consult with your police and fire dt'partments and obtain their suggt:stions as to any special precautions that can be taken. Tf possible, work out a plan with these departments for the protection of your property.

Enli.st the aid of your employees in formulat.ing a plan [or Irsl1'1'1is11 in any emergency. For examplc, one employer used dependable employees as guards (inside the building), and cquipped them with extinguishers, blankets, sand buckcts and other fire prevcntion aids. Thcse men 'vtr.re instructed nol to leave the buildine and not to resist looters or rioters. Their sole duty was fire prevention. These employees actually extinguished one fire bomb and probably were instrumr:ntal in preventing destruction of thc property.