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Arson is defined as a crime of setting a fire with intent to cause damage. The definition of arson was
originally limited to setting fire to buildings, but was later expanded to include other objects, such as
bridges, vehicles, and private property. In either case, this is a very serious crime and is punishable by
a long jail sentence.
Remember: Everyone Pays for Arson!
Arson Prevention
What can you do...
...to protect your home.
- Organize locally. Become familiar with your neighborhood and neighbors. You can learn more about
Modesto Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Program by calling the Crime Prevention officers at the
local command areas.
- Publicize your efforts by providing the media with information and by sharing with other groups
with similar problems.
- Protect your home or business with strong locks on all windows and doors, and install effect night
lighting.
- Eliminate readily available fuel for fire such as wood piles, paper, leaves, trash, combustibles.
- Trim or remove shrubbery that obstructs the view of the building from the street. Restrict access to
the roof and upper floors.
- Consider fencing the property.
...to protect your place of business.
- In any enterprise, someone must be made responsible for fire safety including protection from arson
attack.
- Think about the ease with which intruders/arsonist could break into the premises and take immediate
steps to strengthen your defenses.
- If there have been any small fires on your own or neighboring properties, inform the police or fire
department immediately. A small fire could be a warning of something worse to come!
- Provide perimeter security to include fences, gates with locks, security lighting and secure all doors
and windows.
- Ensure automatic fire protection has been inspected and maintained on an annual basis. sprinkler
control valves are locked open or have tamper switches.
- Housekeeping on the exterior of the building includes all trash, combustibles are stored away from the
building.
- Interior housekeeping includes trash and combustibles are removed at the end of the day. Sprinkler
heads and control valves are clear of obstruction.
- At the end of the day, check that doors and windows are secure and that outside illumination is on.
- Report any signs of tampering with security devices, doors, windows, false fire/burglar alarms.
Ensure all visitors are escorted in non-public areas.
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