Date: December 15, 2009

Attention: ASCIP Members

Subject: Winter Vandalism

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The Alliance of Schools for Cooperative Insurance Programs' (ASCIP) Members have experienced a number of building losses during the winter months due to many types of vandalism. ASCIP recognizes that these types of crimes are becoming widespread and a serious problem for the educational community.

Funding for educational programs is diminished each time a building is damaged by fire and/or other forms of vandalism. Hundreds and even thousands of labor hours are expended to repair damaged buildings each time an act of arson and/or vandalism occurs. Arson fires and/or vandalism rob all students of a valuable educational resource.

Therefore, ASCIP Members are encouraged to take proactive steps prior to the winter break to help minimize opportunities for vandals to damage school buildings. These basic steps include:

• Check all lighting to ensure all units are working properly.

• Replace or repair worn or damaged hardware on all exterior gates and entry points.

• Conduct a "key" audit to ensure that all outstanding keys are returned to Key Administrator.

• Contact alarm monitoring company and if necessary test to ensure all alarms are functioning and summer hours of operation for the school site are current.

• Ensure that all portable restrooms are located well away from site buildings and portable classrooms in case they may be set afire.

• Ensure that any CCTV cameras are operational and in good working order.

• Install WeTip signage at all entrances - Custom posters are available by contacting graphics@wetip.com.

• Request ASCIP's free Security Audit from Steven Wilmes at 562-404-8029, ext. 250.

IN ADDITION, ON BEHALF OF OUR MEMBERS, ASCIP and WETIP ANNOUNCE A REWARD! PAYING UP TO $5,000.00 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST AND CONVICTION OF ANYONE RESPONSIBLE FOR ARSON OR VANDALISM DAMAGE TO AN ASCIP MEMBER SCHOOL BUILDING.