Firesetting Behaviors and Consequences

1. Firesetting Behaviors and Consequences

2. What we will learn today • We will talk about two ways that fires start - intentionally or not intentionally - and how playing with fire can not only be deadly, but can have consequences that will stay with the rest of your life.

3. We have already learned that: • Most fires are preventable. • Smoking and cooking are two of the major causes of fire

4. What is Arson? • Webster’s dictionary defines it as “the crime of purposely setting fire to another’s building or property, or to one’s own, as to collect insurance”

5. Some other reasons may be: • to get attention • because you are mad at someone and want to get back at them • because you are curious about fire and what would happen if you burned something • because someone dared you to set a fire

6. Arson is not always about the money

7. What happens if you deliberately set a fire? • You could get hurt • you could hurt someone else • you could be arrested and go to jail • once convicted of deliberately setting a fire • lose the right to vote • cannot join the military • lose many job opportunities

8. Statistics show that half of all intentionally set fires are set by kids under 18

9. Not all kids who set fires intend to do so • experimenting with fire or gasoline, just to see what happens • striking matches just to watch the flame • Even if you didn’t mean to start the fire - the consequences are the same!!

10. Create a false alarm of fire • intentionally pull the fire alarm in your school or another public building • fire fighters injured or killed responding • people injured or killed trying to escape • too many false alarms - people don’t pay attention when they need to • You are responsible for any injuries and deaths associated with a false alarm that you create! In Michigan, It Is Against The Law To:

11. Place an offensive or injurious substance with intent to injure • Place a bomb or other fire-related device that could cause physical injury or a serious impairment of a body function • loss of limb • loss of eye In Michigan, It Is Against The Law To:

12. Tamper with or disable a fire alarm or sprinkler system • Turning off or breaking a fire alarm switch or breaking off a sprinkler head In Michigan, It Is Against The Law To:

13. Commit larceny (steal property) from a building that is, or was, on fire • rioting • looting In Michigan, It Is Against The Law To:

14. Commit arson or intentional burning of: • Dwelling House (place where someone lives) whether it is occupied or not • Real Property - anything permanently attached to the ground • barns, garages, sheds, outbuildings • Personal Property - anything that is not permanently attached to the ground • vehicle, camper, boat, clothing, furniture • Insured Property - anything that is insured In Michigan, It Is Against The Law To:

15. Possess explosives without a permit (includes fireworks) • Michigan law specific about what is legal and not legal • Illegal fireworks • anything that leaves the ground or makes a loud bang • Against the law to purchase illegal fireworks in Michigan • Cannot purchase them in another state and bring them into Michigan In Michigan, It Is Against The Law To:

16. Guilt By Association • Get into just as much trouble being around kids who set fires and use explosives as you would if you did it yourself

17. Being a Responsible Citizen • Informing adults if you see someone playing with fire, explosives or accelerants • Not a tattle-tale • Saving a life