10-13-04 Special Called Meeting of the La Porte Fire Review Board Minutes

Browse Search

average estimated direct property damage was 47% higher when no automatic suppression system was present. No deaths were reported in religious or funeral properties protected by automatic suppression systems. Data for 1999 is not provided because of difficulties introduced by the process of converting the data collected in the older version of NFIRS to NFIRS 5.0. Because the majority of 1999 data was collected in this older fonnat and converted, drawing reliable conclusions on this topic form more recent data is difficult. Almost 1,700 outside and other fires and about 300 vehicle fires were reported on these properties per year. In 1999, an estimated 1,660 outside and other fires in or on religious or funeral properties caused $140,000 in direct property damage. The 320 vehicle fires on these properties caused $900,000 in damage. During the five-year period from 1994 through 1998, an average of 1,690 outside and other fires per year in or on these properties caused an average of two civilian injuries, and $300,000 in direct property damage per year. An average of 260 vehicle fires caused three civilian injuries and $600,000 in direct property damage per year. Narratives provide information about what can happen, not what is typical. Incident narratives and articles from NFP A publications about fires that have occurred since 1980 are also included to illustrate some of the situations encountered. It is important to remember the difference between statistical and anecdotal information. The statistics describe the big picture; the anecdotes may illustrate unusual circumstances. Anecdotes show what can happen; they are not a source to learn about what typically occurs. NFP A 909 provides fire safety guidelines. Individuals interested in keeping religious properties safe from fire should consult NFP A 909: Standard for the Protection of Cultural Resources. Including Museums, Libraries, Places of Worship, and Historic Properties for information about fire prevention in these properties. Concern about church fires prompted new program: SAFE congregation, SAFE community. Because of the media attention about church fires, many congregations began talking to fire officials and trying to make their churches safer. The NFP A Center for High-Risk Outreach saw this as another opportunity to tell people how to protect themselves from fire in their place of worship and at home as well. A folded 11 x 17 pamphlet was prepared. The interior, with fire safety tips, can be hung in a church hall. The back has a covenant for fire safety and encourages church members to work together to make sure they know how to be safe at home. All parts may be photocopied and included in a church bulletin, This publication is available in English and Spanish and may be obtained free of charge by contacting the Center for High-Risk Outreach, National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471 (617) 984-7286. Fires in Religious and Funeral Properties. 12/03 5 NFP A Fire Analysis and Research, Quincy, MA