Archived News Release from 2010

For Immediate Release

Redwood City Joins with United States Fire Administration to Recognize 2010 Arson Awareness Week – May 2 through May 8

Redwood City, CA - May 2, 2010 - Each year, the United States Fire Administration (USFA) dedicates a week to promoting a national recognition, awareness, and understanding of the arson problem in the U.S., one of our nation’s most dangerous and costly threats to people and property.  This year’s theme is "Community Arson Prevention." The goal for this year’s Arson Awareness Week is to focus attention on the horrific crime of arson and provide communities with tools and strategies to combat arson in their neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and places of worship.

The Redwood City Fire Department is taking this opportunity to remind the community that it’s estimated on average there are 316,600 intentional fires reported to fire departments across the United States each year, causing injuries to 7,825 firefighters and civilians. In addition to needless injury and death, an estimated $1.1 billion in direct property loss occurs annually as a result of arson.

Arson robs communities of its valuable assets – lives and property. Arson destroys more than buildings: it can devastate a community resulting in the decline of the neighborhood through increased insurance premiums, loss of business revenue, and a decrease in property values.

Communities can develop a Neighborhood Watch Program, and partner with local public safety, insurance providers, business leaders, churches, and local community groups. Neighborhoods can reduce the likelihood of arson occurring by promoting neighborhood watches and educating people about recognizing and reporting unusual activities, along with implementing improved internal and external security for homes and businesses. Residents interested in considering a Neighborhood Watch should contact Erica Spacher, Redwood City Neighborhood Liaison Coordinator, at 650-780-5905 or espacher@redwoodcity.org.

As part of Arson Awareness Week, the USFA is partnering with the International Association of Arson Investigators, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), USAonWatch, National Association of State Fire Marshals, National Volunteer Fire Council, and the Insurance Committee for Arson Control. The USAF website (www.usfa.dhs.gov) contains more information and tools for Arson Awareness Week and fire prevention in general.

Visit Redwood City’s award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, and local business. Subscribe to Redwood City’s email newsletter or other documents by visiting www.redwoodcity.org/egov.

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Contact:
James Skinner, Chief
Redwood City Fire Department
650-780-7400