Title
To declare the week of May 6-12, 2012 Arson Awareness Week in Columbus, Ohio.
Body
WHEREAS, the theme for the 2012 Arson Awareness Week is Prevent Youth Firesetting; and
WHEREAS, fires started by children playing accounted for an average of 56,300 fires with associated losses of 110 civilian deaths, 880 civilian injuries, and $286 million in direct property damage per year between 2005 and 2009; and
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reports that from 2000 - 2009 there were 1,637 juvenile-involved fire incidents. More than half of these fires (56 percent or 909 incidents) were classified as arson. Twenty-nine percent (or 476 incidents) were classified as accidental and 15 percent (or 251 incidents) were classified as undetermined. The total dollar damage reported for these fires estimated at more than $75 million; and
WHEREAS, parents should teach young children that fire is a tool, not a toy; keep matches and lighters out of reach; and set a good example by safely using matches, lighters and fire; and
WHEREAS, the price that America pays for arson is severe. In 2007, three firefighters died on scene or during response to intentional fires, and 6,100 firefighters were injured at the scene of intentional fires. In addition to needless injury and death, an estimated 1 billion dollars in direct property loss occurs annually; and
WHEREAS, arson is a serious crime that jeopardizes the lives of Columbus citizens and emergency service personnel; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Division of Fire, Fire Prevention Bureau stresses the importance of citizens being aware of arson; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby declare May 6-12, 2012 as Arson Awareness Week and encourages all citizens to learn more about the tremendous toll all types of arson have on our community and to commit themselves to youth firesetting prevention efforts.