How Can You Help Stop Firesetting?

A Community Solution 

Just as firesetting affects and involves the entire community, so must the solution be a community effort. To stem this growing problem it will take more than just parents and caregivers. A solution will need the efforts of local fire and police departments, mental health counselors, social services, juvenile justice departments, school educators, youth service volunteers, businesses and community leaders.

How can you help?

• Early prevention is the key! Stop curiosity firesetting by providing fire safety education to both children and teenagers throughout the year. Encourage them to take responsibility for the safety of their own home and family. A greater knowledge of the devastating effects of fire and how they can positively affect their family’s safety can reduce the number of curiosity fires.
• Assist parents, caregivers, and educators to better understand children’s motivations and involvement with fire. Help them to know when and where they should seek help.
• Identify the needs of the children and their families and respond by utilizing community resources, such as counseling, social and mental health services, and fire safety education to fill those requirements.
• Organize a multi-agency, coordinated, community-based screening and intervention program.

By proactively working together as a community, you can make a difference in children’s propensity to begin firesetting.