News and Media
Foremost News and Media
Share |

Grand Rapids, MI – Each year, arson destroys more than buildings and property. It can destroy lives and wreck communities. Foremost® Insurance supports national Arson Awareness Week and is bringing attention to this devastating and preventable crime.

According to United States Fire Incident Reporting System data and the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments in the United States respond to an estimated average of 316,600 intentional fires each year that cause an estimated $1.1 billion in property losses. “Intentionally-set fires not only place additional burdens on our firefighters and police officers, but also affect all insurance policyholders,” says Ronald Vlasblom, East regional claims manager for HelpPoint® Claim Service. “Arson increases the loss and investigation expenses for insurers and increases the rates customers pay. Bringing awareness to this crime is the first step in fighting back.”

It’s important for communities to come together to fight arson. Here are the first steps:

  1. Identify any potential problem areas in the community.  Are there any vacant homes or vehicles that have been sitting too long? Are there any piles of trash or yard waste that could be potential arson targets?
  2. Join or start a Neighborhood Watch Program. If concerned neighbors monitor and report suspicious activity, the likelihood of arson can be reduced. Tools to help you start or find a program in your area can be found at www.USAonwatch.org.
  3. Hold a neighborhood clean-up day. Clearing flammable objects like leaves or trash away from buildings makes it harder for someone to start an intentional fire.

For more fire safety information, including importance of having a fire escape plan, visit the safety section of Foremost.com or the interactive fire safety page at www.foremost.com/safety/home-safety/interactive-fire-safety.htm.

To learn more about our products or share feedback, visit www.Foremost.com, our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ForemostInsurance or our Twitter page at www.Twitter.com/Foremost.