[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 64 (Wednesday, May 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         PROCLAIMING SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL ARSON AWARENESS WEEK

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2013

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support National Arson 
Awareness Week, which runs from May 5th-11th this year.
  The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has made tremendous 
strides in educating the public about the dangers of Arson during its 
annual Arson Awareness Week. This year's theme, ``Reducing Residential 
Arson,'' is focused on ways for community members to come together and 
develop plans to combat arson in their neighborhoods. According to 
USFA, over 14,700 law enforcement agencies report 43,400 arsons every 
year.
  This is an issue that hits home for my constituents in the city of 
Lewiston, who have endured three large fires during the past week. The 
fires have destroyed over 79 apartments and left roughly 200 people 
homeless. Firefighters from Lewiston and the surrounding communities 
have performed heroically to contain the fires and protect residents 
from harm. These brave men and women place themselves at enormous risk 
every day to keep us safe, and I applaud them for their efforts.
  USFA is recommending a number of strategies to help communities 
better protect themselves against arson. Neighborhood cleanups have 
enabled residents to remove flammable materials and identify possible 
hazards. Groups have also had success by improving internal and 
external security for their homes and at abandoned properties. Working 
together, we can all help make our communities a safer place to live.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me again in recognizing National Arson 
Awareness Week for its role in helping our communities educate 
themselves about ways to combat arson.

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