The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution acknowledging May 3 - 9, 2009 National Arson Awareness Week. The goal of this year’s Arson Awareness Week is to focus public attention on arson for profit. With an economic downturn steadily developing, Arson for Profit is on the rise as people attempt to alleviate their financial stress by using arson as a
"bailout" tool.
Arson for Profit is used to commit insurance fraud, dissolve businesses, conceal or reduce losses, clear parcels of unwanted structures prior to sales, and reduce competition. In 2007, according to the National Fire Protection Association, Arson for Profit destroyed nearly 900 million dollars worth of insured property. Since 2005, arson-caused fires resulted in over 500 deaths and 9,000 injuries.
Arson for Profit affects everyone through injuries and the loss of life, increased insurance premiums, decreased property values, increased crime and related expenses for fire and law enforcement professionals. Ultimately, the cost of battling arson for profit is passed on to the citizens of San Bernardino County.
Increased community awareness and the vigilance of our citizens tremendously improve our ability to combat Arson for Profit. Here are a few tips on how you can help combat arson:
- Support Neighborhood Watch programs.
- Become an involved member of your community.
- Get to know your neighbors – Learn what is "normal" activity in your neighborhood.
- Watch for unoccupied and abandoned buildings or vehicles. Report these to your local Code Enforcement office for abatement.
- Report unusual or suspicious activities such as people going in and out of buildings at unusual hours to law enforcement agencies or We-Tip.
Arson Investigators are asking for the communities help. If you or someone you know has information regarding an arson case, contact your local fire department or We-Tip at 1-800-47-ARSON, or on the web at
www.wetip.com.
More information on fire safety and how to prepare your emergency kit is available at
www.sbcfire.org.
Congratulations Doris – well deserved!
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