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Arson Basics
This article covers arson basics as in who sets fires and some of their reasons. This is not about fire prevention. A little arson investigation is covered as well.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art55619.asp

Fire prevention was not covered in the article, but we’re going to cover some of it now. We’ll start with fire prevention and escape plans in the home, then move to the workplace.

At home, do you and your family have an escape plan in case fire breaks out? Does everyone know what to do? If not, a good time to plan would be now.

Do you have valuables stored in a fireproof box? Would it be easy to grab in case of a fire?

Are emergency numbers by every phone and is every portable phone in its rightful place? If an emergency happens, you do not need to be looking for a phone.

If you have pets or children, do you have a sign on a window telling firemen that you do have pets and children?

Do you have a fireplace? If so, is it being kept clean on a regular basis?

Have children in the home been taught not to play with matches?

Do you leave burning candles unattended?

How about walking away to watch TV and leaving something cooking on the stove? Is it being watched, or is it forgotten until it starts burning?

At a backyard barbecue, or a 4th of July celebration, is there a bucket or two of water on hand to quickly douse a fire?

At the workplace, do you have a plan of escape? Is it posted on walls so that everyone can see it?

Do you practice fire safety drills?

Do you have a fire safety team that looks for people in the bathrooms and break rooms to make sure everyone exits the building?

Are there people in place that are willing and able to assist the handicapped?

Do you have people that know CPR and first aid?

Has the fire inspector come around to check your building or office, and your fire extinguishers?

Walk, do not run! You know the saying about attitude – it is contagious. The same principle applies in this situation. If people panic, there is a lot more danger of someone getting hurt. When people see others being calm, it helps quiet the panic, and provides for a safer environment.

Do not use the elevators. You have seen that sign on the elevator and around it. The reason for that is the firemen sometimes use elevators to get where they are going and they need it to be free. Also, elevators and the shafts are just like chimneys, they draw the heat right up to the top. You do not want to be in an elevator when that happens.
Do your people have a safe distance to go from the building if a fire happens? Burning materials can be carried from a fire by air currents. You have probably seen smaller amounts with your own backyard fire or fireplace.
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Robin Rounds Whittemore, Crime Editor
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