Schools Arson Audit
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is asking schools to book an arson
audit to safeguard their premises from arson attacks.
The Service attends around 155 calls to fires in or on school premises
each year, all of which are started deliberately.
In an attempt to reduce these attacks, the Service offers all schools
across the county a free Arson Audit as part of its ‘School Safe’ scheme.
During the audit a fire officer will walk round the grounds with a school
representative and identify any arson risks, recommending actions the
school can take to reduce them.
John Daly, Community Fire Safety Arson Control Co-ordinator, said; “Schools
are at a high risk especially during school holidays and, although there
hasn’t been a total loss for many years, it could happen at any
time. Such a loss would be felt for years to come and much of what
could be lost may never be replaced.
“Evidence suggests that children of school age start the majority
of these fires and that the fires are opportunistic rather than
premeditated. A refuse container full to overflowing is a typical target,
as is discarded packaging left in exposed areas.
“It is vitally important that schools recognise they may be a target
for arsonists, particularly in the school holidays, and take steps
to reduce the risk.”
Advice to school includes:
- Keep sites clean, tidy and free from combustible
material
- Avoid leaving rubbish out overnight
- Keep bin stores locked
- Keep refuse containers at least 8 metres away from buildings
- Ensure premises are secured, including out buildings and stores.
If you would like assistance to carry out an arson audit please contact:
John Daly on Tel: 01438 847359
The Fire Service will
then contact you to arrange a time and date to visit your school
to assist with the audit. |
