Preventing Arson in Social Services
Arson is the leading cause of fire-related property damage in the U.S., and social service organizations face unique vulnerabilities that make implementing prevention strategies critical. Our recent webinar focused on ways to help protect facilities from arson, ensure service continuity and reduce exposure to fire-related losses.
Presenter
- Jared Bishop, Divisional Assistant Vice President of Loss Control at Great American Insurance Group, introduced the session and led the discussion on arson risks, impacts, and prevention strategies.
Key Insights and Takeaways
- Understanding Arson and Its Impact
- Definition and types of arson, including intentional and accidental causes
- Real-life claim example illustrating the speed and severity of arson damage
- Consequences including structural loss, business interruption, and costly repairs
- Claims, Investigations, and Legal Considerations
- Importance of preserving evidence and documenting the scene
- Role of incident investigation policies in supporting claims and legal processes
- Why Social Service Organizations Are at Risk
- High-stress environments, transient populations, and limited security resources
- Open-door policies and aging infrastructure increase exposure
- Prevention Strategies
- Physical security improvements, staff training, and facility maintenance
- Written emergency response plans tailored to each organization’s unique risks
- Safe storage of flammable materials and community engagement
