USFA Announces a New Radio Public Service Announcement for the 2009 Arson Awareness Week Campaign

Emmitsburg, MD - Each year arsonists destroy nearly a billon dollars worth of property resulting in the death of more than 400 civilians and injuring another 1,500. Annually, at least three firefighters are killed at arson fires with another seven thousand firefighters injured. The USFA is joining forces with the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) to spread the word about this year's Arson Awareness Week (AAW) theme � Arson for Profit.

Arson for profit is insurance fraud where both individuals and businesses attempt to limit their losses or generate a financial gain by fraudulently collecting on fire loss policies. Arson for profit affects everyone through the loss of life, increased insurance premiums and related expenses for the fire and law enforcement professionals.

You are invited to join the U.S. Fire Administration and its partners to focus attention on the crime of arson during Arson Awareness Week. You can help prevent arson by following these helpful tips:

• Be sure to have sufficient lighting outside your home and business. Do not provide cover for the arsonists.
• Get involved with community awareness and watch programs.
• Remove trash, debris, and other combustible materials from the front and back of your business or home. Garbage can be used as an ignition source for arson fires.
• Lock and secure your vehicle.

The USFA has a new radio public service announcement for the 2009 AAW campaign. For more information, including a media kit for the 2009 Arson Awareness Week campaign, go to http://www.usfa.fema.gov/aaw/

The United States Fire Administration recommends everyone should have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers, and practicing a home fire escape plan.

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