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Juvenile
Firestarters Program |
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to Fire Department |
IS YOUR CHILD SAFE Most children are fascinated
with fire - this is a normal behavior. Being a normal
behavior does not make it safe behavior. When children
actually play with matches or lighters, a parent
should have concerns about the child's safety, as
well as those who live with him or her. Children
under six years old are more likely to accidentally
start fire which kill them or family members. Even
one match can kill. Older children and youths who
play with matches or lighters frequently injure
themselves and /or cause damage to buildings. Starting
fires may also result in severe injuries and cause
life long scarring and physical limitations. Warning
signs of fire starting by children include burned
toys or other objects, burned matches, missing lighters
and scorched furniture or floors. Fire starting
can usually be stopped with early intervention.
Don't think that your child will stop when he or
she outgrows the phase - IT MAY BE TO LATE. Injuries
or death can result from one fire start. Don't let
the next fatality be one of your loved ones! |
WHO
SHOULD CALL
Any parent or guardian who has concerns that
his/her child or adolescent may be a fire starter
or has the potential to start fires should call
the station for further information. PURPOSE
There are three stages to the Juvenile Firestarters
program: Consultation to the fire service personnel
Assessment Intervention.
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PROGRAM
In the assessment phase, the parent(s) are interviewed
about the child's behavior and family background.
The child is then interviewed separately. Parents
and children are also asked to complete questioners
regarding the Firestarters behavior. Once the
evaluation is complete, feedback is given to the
parents and child, including recommendations for
fire safety training and/or mental health intervention.
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Macedonia Fire Department is a member of the Northeast
Ohio Juvenile Firesetters Task Force. The Task
Force is a coalition of professionals working
together to keep the children of the Community
safe from fire through fire safety, education
and interventions of juveniles with fire starter
behavior. Task Force members include: firefighters,
police officials, mental health care providers,
physicians, juvenile court personnel, social service
agencies and state fire officials.
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If you would like further information about the
program: pcelinski@macedonia.oh.us
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