J & N REALTY, INC.

Steps to be Taken against Arson  

According to the United States Fire Administration data, from 2004 to 2006 an estimated 210,300 intentionally set fires occurred each year in the United States.  Intentionally set fires account for 13 percent of fires responded to by fire departments across the nation. 

There are steps Associations can take to make them less venerable to an arsonist: 

- Evaluate the quality of the lighting in your Association’s Common Areas – with special attention to garage/carport exteriors, driveways, and pathways.  Good lighting will make it easier to detect unauthorized visitors. 

- Trim back trees and bushes away from the structures.  Dark portions of the premises can be attractive to would-be arsonists.  Remove all excess vegetation that is capable of being ignited. 

- Check with your agent/broker to make certain there is sufficient building coverage – with special attention to appurtenant structures such as clubhouses, carports, garages, and any other commonly vacant, free-standing structures. 

-  Ask your agent/broker about coverage for fire damage to trees, lawns, plants, and shrubs. 

- Remove all possible sources of ignition from the garage/carport areas such as stored cardboard /newspapers, flammable liquids (including barbecue lighting fluids) and unused gas containers. 

- Remove abandoned cars and vehicles.  The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has estimated an average of 25,328 intentional fires involved these types of vehicles.  An abandoned car is a target for arson.  

- Secure vacant units, which could become potential arson targets. 

- Encourage the fire department to conduct frequent fire code inspections. 

- Have your fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and fire sprinkler systems serviced annually. 

- Encourage members of your HOA to participate in a local Neighborhood Watch program.  These active volunteers can help deter crime (including arson) by reporting license plates of suspicious vehicles and potential suspect descriptions.  (If you do not have a Neighborhood Watch program already active in your community, contact the business line at your local police department or go to www.usaonwatch.org.)