Protecting Yourself From Arson
Most arson fires are started outdoors. Don't make it easy for an arsonist to start
a fire or for an outdoor fire to spread to a building.
- Keep leaves, firewood, overgrown brush and shrubbery and other combustibles away
from buildings.
- Keep doors and windows locked when a building is unoccupied. Board up abandoned
buildings.
- Do not use double cylinder dead-bolt locks without keeping a key nearby, bars without
quick release mechanisms, or other security provisions that could trap a person
in a building with a deadly fire.
- Store all flammable liquids such as paints, gasoline, and kerosene in an approved
storage location: locked cabinets, locked storage units, and locked garages. Also,
keep these items away from heat sources such as furnaces and any type of heaters.
- Report suspicious activity near houses or other buildings to the local police and
support Neighborhood Watch programs.
- If you suspect a child is setting fires, we may be able to help you through our
Youth Fire Setter Program. It may not be "just a phase" they are going through.
Always keep matches and lighters out of reach and out of sight of young children.
- If you know or suspect that an arson crime has been committed, contact the fire
or police department. Crime Stoppers is always available at (804)780-1000 or at
http://www.crimestoppersrichmondvirginia.com.
