Loss Prevention Hot Topics: Arson in Schools

General Facts about Arson

According to Alliant Insurance Services, property damage caused by arson costs school districts approximately $600 million annually. Below are some interesting facts about arson and arsonists:

  • 55% occur on weekdays between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm and only 22% occur on weekends.
  • Arson events usually occur during the school day to create commotion and are predominantly started by students.
  • According to the Woodlands Association, 25% of arson acts are done by children between the ages of 10-14 and 50% are under the age of 18, with 9 out of 10 being male and 3 out of 4 being Caucasian.
  • Drugs and alcohol are not necessarily involved in all arson cases.
  • The majority of arsonists will usually revisit or remain at the crime scene. Generally, arson is caused by persons carrying  a grudge against a teacher or staff, malicious students who thrive on causing trouble, students wanting to draw attention to themselves for personal problems, people involved in rowdy groups, persons with a learning disability, or frustrated persons who are enraged with school or society.

Arson Prevention and Strategies

Here are some ways to help your district or educational entity from falling victim to arson:

  • Identify vulnerable areas
  • Design the building so there are no hidden areas and provide additional lighting in dark areas
  • Place a fence around the campus perimeter
  • Have the local law enforcement increase patrols
  • Contact the local fire department and have them survey the school site
  • Arrange a neighborhood watch program with the local residents
  • Train staff to watch for potential arson exposures
  • Reduce potential fire exposures by placing recycle/trash bins at least 20 feet away from buildings and by keeping them locked
  • Keep storage areas locked especially buildings and rooms containing flammable liquids and gases
  • Keep buildings such as portable buildings “skirted” around the base of the building
  • Provide surveillance for buildings, and eliminate piles of brush, paper, leaves and other combustibles on and around your property

Schools can potentially reduce fire damage by installing compartmentalization (fire stops in the roof ceiling voids), add additional fire walls and doors during renovation, install automatic fire sprinklers, and install a fire detection system and have it tested regularly. Having a security system installed would be another great tool for fire protection and reduce potential vandalism from occurring. Have a zero tolerance policy for prosecuting vandals. Use the civil court to go after the parents if the arsonist is a child, and check with local law enforcement for any reports on arsonists living in the area.

Questions? Comments?

If your district has any questions, please contact your local fire authorities or TASB Loss Prevention Services at 800.482.7276 ext. 6305.