Arson Awareness Week

This year’s Arson Awareness Week (May 6-12) focuses on how to “Prevent Youth Firesetting.”

Facts:

56,300 fires were started between 2005 and 2009 by children playing. That’s over 10,000 fires per year or more than 30 fires each day! The sobering consequence was more than 100 civilian deaths, almost 900 civilian injuries, and about $300 million in direct property damage. Over half of the fires were started by children playing with lighters. In general, younger children are more likely to set fires in homes, while older children and teenagers are more likely to set fires outside.

Prevention Tips:
Never leave matches or lighters within reach of children. Keep matches and lighters out of reach in high, locked cabinets.  Praise your child for practicing responsible behavior and showing respect for fire.  Set a good example. Use matches, lighters, and fire carefully, as children will imitate positive behavior.  For more information see www.usfa.fema.gov/aaw/