Arson Awareness Week - May 6 - 12
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) announces this year's Arson Awareness Week theme - Prevent Youth Firesetting. The goal for this year's Arson Awareness Week is to focus attention on the importance of a collaborative effort with fire and emergency service departments, law enforcement, social services and schools to help reduce the occurrence of youth engaged with fire.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire started by children accounted for an average of 56,300 fires with associated losses of 100 deaths, 880 injuries and $286 million in property damage per year between 2005 - 2009.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reporting Program report states that juveniles (persons under age 18) accounted for roughly 46% of arson arrests in 2005 - 2010. In 2010, 40% of arson arrests were juveniles with 47.6% of those children under 16 years of age.
Parents should teach young children that fire is a tool, not a toy; keep matches and lighters out of reach, in high, ideally locked, cabinets; and set a good example by safely using matches, lighters, and fire. The most important thing a parent or caregiver can do is to always supervise young children.
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