Arson is a Hazard to Public Safety, Here is Some Tips

Intentional residential fires cause more than twice as many fatalities nationwide as other types of residential structure fires. Arson is a hazard to public safety in addition to being a criminal offense. The majority of arson incidents occur in residential areas, endangering first responders and families. Recognize the warning signs and always report any questionable activities. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has released a few ways to help prevent arson. These include; illuminate exterior and entrances by installing lights on all sides of the house, put timers on interior lights to give the illusion the home is occupied, place motion-activated lighting near the entrance, and trim or remove shrubbery that blocks the view of the house from the street. Also, consider installing security and fire alarm devices that can transmit an alarm to the police and fire department when the home alarm sounds, install deadbolts on all external doors, install window hardware with spring-loaded bolts that inserts through the window frame into the wall frame, remove excess vegetation and piles of leaves, and trash, and remove partial cans of paint and other materials that could become kindling and fuel a fire for an arsonist. In addition to destroying houses and lives, arson can ruin a neighborhood, leading to a reduction in property values and higher insurance costs. You can visit the U.S. Fire Administration for more details and safety tips and usfa.fema.gov.