Title
To declare the week of May 2, 2010 National Arson Awareness Week in Columbus, Ohio.
Body
WHEREAS, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), estimates an average of 316,600 intentional fires are reported to fire departments each year, causing injuries to 7,825 firefighters and civilians, and an estimated $1.1 billion in direct property loss annually; and
WHEREAS, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the national clearance rate for arson is 18 percent, one of the lowest of any major crime, with only 5 to 7 percent of arson offenses resulting in convictions; and
WHEREAS, arson is a serious crime that jeopardizes the lives of Columbus citizens and emergency service personnel, which can only be stopped when citizens realize the severe damage arson causes; and
WHEREAS, the theme for 2010 Arson Awareness Week is Community Arson Prevention; and
WHEREAS, establishing a community Arson Watch Program can bring neighborhoods together by creating a sense of cooperation, bringing the fire service, law enforcement and citizens together to reduce the crime of arson; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Division of Fire, Fire Prevention Bureau stresses the importance of citizens being aware of arson, and engages the community directly through their outreach efforts; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby declare the week of May 2-8, 2010 as National Arson Awareness Week and encourages all citizens to learn more about the tremendous toll arson takes on our community and our nation and to commit themselves to prevention efforts.