Arson Awareness

Week May 5-11, 2013

This year National Arson Awareness Week focuses on Reducing Residential Arson.  There are 16,800 intentionally set fires annually in residential buildings.  In these the most common items ignited are trash, rubbish and waste.  These are most often lit in bedrooms and the fires are commonly lit in bedrooms between 3 PM and midnight.  These fires are primarily in 1 and 2 family homes. This accounts for 280 deaths and 775 injuries each year.  Smoke detectors in bedrooms can provide early warning but teaching children not to play with fire and keeping a watch in your neighborhood can prenvent this type of arson fire before it ever has a chance to start.  Click here for more information.

Find out what you can do to reduce residential arson fires and view the City of Cortland Arson Week Proclamation

Prevention and Safety

   The City of Cortland Fire Department engages in year round  community education, prevention and safety programs. Currently a grant is in place to aid in ensuring adequate early warning for fire and carbon monoxide in single family residences. 

 To date the members of the fire department have installed 1493 smoke detectors, 286 carbon monoxide detectors and 32 bed shakers in 371 homes.  The program continues and residents are encouraged to contact the fire department to schedule a time to have detectors installed.   

  Devices are available to qualifying property owners within the City of Cortland.  Included in the grant are traditional smoke alarms, bedshakers and carbon monoxide detectors.  Cortland Fire Department staff will be going door to door to assist in education about this program.  They can also provide assistance with installation of the devices in the residence.  Dates and times are listed on the Fire Department Events Calendar.