Opinion from a concerned railfan about security systems in any historic structures. Fw: After an act of arson destroys historic site, McComb City Railroad Depot Museum picks up the pieces

[NW Mailing List]

 This is a great discussion, and great guidance. When we created the museum at the Rural Retreat Depot we recognized this need, and installed a security system that has many cameras, inside and outside, recording continuously; motion sensors, doors and window contacts, and smoke and water sensors. Keys and individual entry codes are limited to a few trusted agents, and door closing protocols are strictly enforced. The system is armed 24x7, and no one can get in without a key holder present.  Alarms are handled by a call center that notifies police (or fire, depending on the alarm), and then one of our volunteers, who goes over to follow up (usually in the middle of the night) after the police to inspect, lockdown, and reset. For example, just last week, a 2 AM alarm was triggered by a slide show on a tablet that we mistakenly left running overnight. Another example was a crepe paper streamer left hanging by a renter, that set off the motion sensor when the HVAC came on. We have never recorded a break-in attempt, but we do get about 2 or 3 false alarms per month. In summary, there is not only the cost of the security system, but there is also an ongoing requirement/cost for dedicated management, willing volunteers, and local police who appreciate the value of the Depot.
Frank Akers, PresidentRural Retreat Depot Foundation
    On Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 03:53:19 PM EDT, NW Mailing List <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org> wrote:  
 
  I think this is a great reply from Dave Hamilton regarding the "cost" of security systems to protect priceless artifacts. Many folks donate their railroad artifacts to railroad museums with a reasonable expectation that they will be taken care of. Request donations during the forming of the museum for some type of security or fire suppression system. As the old saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".  Think about it, Norris

Norris Deyerle 

Blue Ridge Chapter, National Railway Historical Society Chairman of Virginia's Rail Heritage Region Partners 

Info:www.blueridgenrhs.org  

744 Chinook Place

Lynchburg, Virginia 24502-4908

Cell: 434-851-0151 
From: transportsim at aol.com <transportsim at aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 9:54 AM
To: railcow at msn.com <railcow at msn.com>
Subject: Re: After an act of arson destroys historic site, McComb City Railroad Depot Museum picks up the pieces These days, with relatively cheap home security systems that send messages to your cell phone, every group should have something in their old depot, museum, equipment display, etc. At least you can get the police/fire department enroute before much damage is done (or scare vandals away by yelling at them through the device). With all the effort and money that goes into restoration projects, it seems like a minor investment to protect them.
Dave Hamilton


-----Original Message-----
From: NORRIS DEYERLE <railcow at msn.com>
Sent: Mon, Jun 28, 2021 7:29 pm
Subject: Fw: After an act of arson destroys historic site, McComb City Railroad Depot Museum picks up the pieces

What makes railroad stations favorite targets for arsonists? In my opinion any historic structures need to have sprinkler systems, burglar alarms, on site cameras and protective fencing if possible. I don't know why so many don't have some type of fire suppression system. If they don't because of an outdated preservation rule regarding the idea that when the structures were originally built, they didn't have sprinkler systems, then it is thoughtless. I don't know what the rules are. Always report any suspicious activity you see around these structures. They're priceless. All aboard? Norris
Norris Deyerle Blue Ridge Chapter, National Railway Historical Society Chairman of Virginia's Rail Heritage Region Partners Info:www.blueridgenrhs.org  744 Chinook PlaceLynchburg, Virginia 24502-4908Cell: 434-851-0151 From: NORRIS DEYERLE <railcow at msn.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2021 9:35 AM
To: NORRIS DEYERLE <railcow at msn.com>
Subject: After an act of arson destroys historic site, McComb City Railroad Depot Museum picks up the pieces 
https://www.fox8live.com/2021/06/04/after-an-act-of-arson-destroys-historic-site-mccomb-city-railroad-depot-museum-picks-up-the-pieces/?utm_campaign=snd&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=wvue


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