Arson Fires - Arson is defined as
a crime of setting a fire with intent to
cause damage. The definition of arson was originally limited to setting fire to
buildings, but was later expanded to include other objects, such as bridges,
vehicles, and private property.
In either case, this is a very serious crime and is punishable by
a long jail sentence.
- Arson was the leading cause of fatal residential
structure fires in the United States in 2002
- There were 37,500 intentionally set structure
fires in the United States in 2003.
- There was an estimated $692,500 in property loss
stemming from intentionally set structure fires.
--US Fire Administration, March 31, 2005
- There were 305 civilian deaths as a result of an
intentionally set structure fire in the United States in 2003.
--National Fire Protection Association, October, 2004
- "Arson is the nation's fastest growing crime.
It is also the most neglected, easiest to commit & the deadliest."
Remember: Everyone Pays for Arson!
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Arson Prevention - What can you do...
...to protect your home.
- Organize locally. Become familiar with your neighborhood
and neighbors. You can learn more about Modesto Police
Department's Neighborhood Watch Program by calling the Crime
Prevention officers at the
local command areas.
- Publicize your efforts by providing the media with information
and by sharing with other groups with similar problems.
- Protect your home or business with strong locks on all windows
and doors, and install effect night lighting.
- Eliminate readily available fuel for fire such as wood piles,
paper, leaves, trash, combustibles.
- Trim or remove shrubbery that obstructs the view of the building
from the street. Restrict access to the roof and upper floors.
- Consider fencing the property.
...to protect your place of business.
- In any enterprise, someone must be made responsible for fire
safety including protection from arson attack
- Think about the ease with which intruders/arsonist could break
into the premises and take immediate steps to strengthen your
defenses.
- If there have been any small fires on your own or neighboring
properties, inform the police or fire department immediately.
A small fire could be a warning of something worse to come!
- Provide perimeter security to include fences, gates with locks,
security lighting and secure all doors and windows.
- Ensure automatic fire protection has been inspected and
maintained on an annual basis. sprinkler control valves are
locked open or have tamper switches.
- Housekeeping on the exterior of the building includes all trash,
combustibles are stored away from the building.
- Interior housekeeping includes trash and combustibles are
removed at the end of the day. Sprinkler heads and control
valves are clear of obstruction.
- At the end of the day, check that doors and windows are secure
and that outside illumination is on.
- Report any signs of tampering with security devices, doors,
windows, false fire/burglar alarms. Ensure all visitors are
escorted in non-public areas.
Remember: Everyone Pays for Arson! |
