The Limitations of Arson Classification Systems - Term Paper Example

Community Service Introduction: One can begin a discussion on methods aimed at reducing fires would have to work under the consideration that a complete and total elimination of fires would be a near impossible task. It is in fact likely that as ever more is spent in the attempt to eliminate fires; an asymptote would be reached beyond which further investment would in effect constitute a loss (Baker and Bajer, 1989). The idea in effect there would be in this report to outline causes of fires that go beyond the technical and hence ones that could be controlled by altering behavior and not necessarily by further investments in the scheme. The implication underlying this discussion therefore is that the danger of fire to people is not always inherent in its ignition but in the way it develops and the manner in which this relates to human behavior-the so called “secondary” effects (Hall, 1999). Arson classification efforts are an attempt to make sense of a complex whole. To a greater or lesser extent typologies offered to date have relied on assumed motive. More recently, systems that combine information about offender characteristics and/or offence features have become increasingly popular. The ability to categorise arsonists accurately has significant implications for both mental health professionals and fire authorities. It is important to understand the limitations of arson classification systems generally to be able to apply them judiciously. Abstract: There are a number of factors that one has to place under consideration when one talks about the concept of domestic fires in high-rise buildings while attempting come up with a strategy on the manner in which the number of injured parties and fatalities could be reduced in this context. The following report would be divided into three basic parts. The first part will describe in details the factors that abet and aid domestic fires; the second part of the report will deal with fire-setting patterns and the problems of delinquency; the third part of the report will address the plan of action that is to be used for reduction in injuries and fatalities that characterize domestic fires. High-rise life A building or living accommodation could be defined as a high-rise structure in cases when the reach of the building exceeds the above ground reach of local fire department equipment. This means in usual cases a building more than 75 feet (7 to 8 stories). These have been classified as being residential properties, offices, hospitals and medical facilities, commercial spaces, along with hotel/motels among others. The vast majority of reported high rise fires occur in residential structures.   High rise buildings have sealed or locked windows. Venting by breaking thick glass windows is extremely dangerous. Falling glass can injure people on the sidewalk and cut supply hoses. Because these buildings are sealed, large volumes of heat and smoke generated by the fire become trapped in the structure. The so-called “stack effect” (the result of temperature difference between the inside and outside of a sealed high-rise building) causes smoke to spread up or down many floors during a fire. Large volumes of smoke and heat move uncontrollably during a high rise fire (Canter and Frizan, 1989). Fire-setting and delinquent behavior Research has found that fire-setting has close relationships with delinquent behaviour. There are those that have found firesetters tend to be disobedient, act in an aggressive manner and exhibit a certain level of impulsiveness. These are in essence character flaws which are a result of disturbed minds (Patterson, 1982). There is in essence an advanced kind of antisocial delinquent behavior where firesetting activities are concerned. It has also been found, more often than not that the tendency is not a unique syndrome but would have manifestations in terms of a systemic trend of problematic behavior. Implications for treatment of firesetters are presented. Yet other researchers have found that most firesetters tend to have a history of repressed anger and tend to resent or have issues with parental rejection-these find ultimate and the most destructive form of representation in the use of fire (Kolko and Kazdin, 1994). The problem of firesetting might also be manifestation at the end of a phase of an entire spectrum of antisocial symptoms exhibition which start from problems such as behviaor issues that tend to become more frequent over time intensifying in the nature of their problems as well. These could include, as has been stated earlier, issues such as disobedience, to less frequent, covert behaviors, such as lying, stealing and vandalism. Adolescent firesetters exhibit higher levels of hostility and aggression, compared with those who set fires at other ages. Motivations for fire setting can range in severity and desired outcome, from curiosity, boredom or attention seeking, to sexual enjoyment, revenge, feelings of power and control, or destruction. Other motivations behind arson include concealing evidence, setting vehicle on fire, insurance fraud, political purposes or even instances of re-housing. One could define firesetters along the following terms: 1. Curiosity firesetters- These are usually children aged (3-6 years) that partake in firesetting as an experiment. These kids usually suffer from problems such as hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder. 2. Accidental firesetter- The accidental firesetter is usually a child under 11 years of age. This category might also be inclusive of teenagers that might engage in a one off in experimental act of firesetting. The innate idea behind this act is not to cause harm but a manifestation of negligence by the parents or an home that is innately abusive (Fineman, 1995). 3. Cry for help’ firesetter- This category is a frequent occurrence within the diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. This group is not thought to want to cause harm or damage. Assessments show that most ‘cry for help’ firesetters have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused and use fire to release anger. 4. Delinquent firesetter- The delinquent type usually includes youths between the ages of 11 to 17 years. Typically, their firesetting is part of a larger constellation of aggression and other conduct disorders. There may also be involvement in vandalism and other aggressive crimes, most commonly setting fire to abandoned or stolen vehicles. This type of firesetter has little empathy for others and a poorly developed conscience. 5. Severely disturbed firesetter- The severely disturbed firesetter includes youths and adults who are paranoid or psychotic, and for whom the fixation with fire may be a factor in the development of a mental disorder. These people will find positive sensory reinforcement from the sensations that the fire provides for them, thus they will repeatedly light fires to fulfill their desire to experience those sensations (Jones, Ribble and Cunningham, 1994). 6. Cognitively impaired firesetter- This group is inclusive o children that are mentally handicapped. These children have learning problems that are the result of brain dysfunctions brought on by organic factors, by alcohol consumption by the mother when she was pregnant or by accident. These children are not really aware of their actions and hence cannot be held responsible for them. The problem here is therefore not of intention wrong doing but of individuals that do not have the presence of mind to comprehend the possible ramifications of their actions. 7. Socio-cultural firesetter- these firesetters perceive the use of fire as a means of expressing dissent or dissatisfaction with the established manner of doing things. The problem here in instances where civil unrests are peaking or when there are cases of kids that are angry, and think of fires as the correct method of drawing attention of authorities to their cause. This is an activity mainly carried out by adults as arson-for-profit activities (insurance fraud, re-housing). Other problems Beside problems manifested through n explanation of the kind of firesetters that exist on also has to understand the fact that in most such high-rise buildings the living conditions are often below-par, wherein many a times entire families are housed in small homes that are made up of just a couple of rooms at times; things at times are so bad that the kitchens are located within the living spaces, most rooms lack ventilation helping in the accumulation of combustible and poisonous gases. There is also the problems of a lack of knowledge or care for safety arrangements, given the fact that researchers have found households that do not so much as maintain a first-aid box, let alone a fire exit arrangement. Homes therefore automatically become high fire-risk areas. There are also the problems that define personal habits such as those that smoke in bed, and the use of naked lamps. Solutions The firs thing that needs to be taken care of is the beginning of an education campaign which should ideally be sponsored by the government but could also in the long run be sponsored by an Ngo or even the fire departments (Rice and McKenzie, 1989). The idea in essence is to recognize signs of dissonance long before the fire actually happen. This measure is essentially preventive. There is also the requirement for the perpetration of culture wherein children are under the constant care and scrutiny defining adult supervision. There is a need for the standardization of domestic appliances through governmental regulations and enforcements of manufacturing standards in design and use. Social organizations need to come to the aid of housewives for the organization of their kitchen and the rest of the households. Civil defenses and social welfare departments need to become proactive where the organization of safety courses are concerned that are aimed at dealing with daily domestic emergencies an occupational hazard. One also has to ensure the availability of small and easy to use fire extinguishers given the fact that the purpose of the exercise would be to ensure that there is a reduction in the number of deaths that occur due to fires. In this context it has to be taken into consideration that the standard fire extinguishers are too heavy for easy management and too expensive for poor people to be able to afford. Also to this end, inexpensive, and if possible free, first-aid kits should be made available to every family and basic training in first aid to the injured should be organized for one and all. Training the public through mobile training team is also a tactic that could be utilized in the long run. The second most important thing to be kept in mind the requirement of a system of smoke alarms that function correctly be installed and maintained. If possible all of these need to be tested for accuracy on a bi-monthly basis, and batteries need to be replaced and double checked every six months. In houses where one or more occupant is physically handicapped in terms of them having a hearing impairment, there is a requirement that alarms that come equipped with a flashing light in along with a sound alarm system be used. Care should be taken to install one such alarm in the bedroom. The third most important thing in case of a hig-rise building is that establishment of an escape plan, which needs to be in place. This means that at least two exits need to be ear marked for every floor. The escape plan should also have provided for the panned place of meeting and a manner or orderly escape so that rushes, and stampedes could be avoided. This plan to be effective requires that it is practiced at least once in a year’s time. One might mention here that practice escape routines would not be inclusive of potentially hazardous activities like the need to climb out of vents and windows or for that matter the use of ladders. If the home has an upper level, a noncombustible fire escape ladder should be available. A special escape plan that meets specific needs should be provided for small children, the aged, and individuals with disabilities. Neighbors of nonverbal, deaf, or hard-of-hearing children should be taught the sign language sign for "fire." Family and guests who are visiting overnight should briefly review a fire exit plan, just as if they were staying at a hotel. Preschool-aged children (3 years and older) can begin to learn what to do in case of a fire. Parents should teach children that the sound of a smoke alarm means go outside immediately and meet at a designated place and do not hide from firefighters. Because smoke rises, individuals should crawl low on their hands and knees under the smoke and toxic gases to exit a room filled with smoke. The cleanest air is 12 to 24 inches above the floor. In apartment buildings elevators should not be used during a fire because they may stop at a burning floor. Stairs should always be used to exit the building. Persons whose clothes catch fire should be taught to stop, drop, and roll to smother the flames and use cool running water immediately to begin treatment of the burn. Communication Where educating the public is concerned, three basic methods could be utilized. First mass communication channels which would include posters, notices, the press and the cinema, TV and radio could be used. The second include channels that involve the educator’s direct intervention. In these context graphic displays, workshops, using charts, phonographs films, slides, flannel boards and plastigraphs could be used. These channels are useful mainly in cases where educators are addressing a known and limited number of people. Adults should learn from manufacturers' instructions or from their local fire department how to select and use a fire extinguisher properly; ie, when the fire is small and self-contained, and when they have a clear escape route available. Automatic home fire sprinkler systems are affordable and practical for many homes. All caregivers should be familiar with all possible exits of a house or apartment, instructed in the event of a fire about escape routes, instructed not to smoke, given emergency telephone numbers, and instructed to leave the house immediately with the children and call the fire department from a neighbor's house or an outside telephones. Conclusion: In conclusion therefore one could reiterate the fact that there are a number of causes that lead to domestic fires in high-rise buildings that go well beyond the realms of the issues that define the technicalities of the fire. The fact that these issues are beyond the scope of mere technicalities also make them so much more difficult to understand and therefore so much more difficult to control. The idea in essence therefore is that people problem involved in causes of fire need to be dealt with at a level that aims at attitude alteration which could be brought about by education and intervention.   References: Patterson, G., A social learning approach (Vol. 1), Eugine Castalia, 1982. Kolko and Kazdin, Children’s descriptions of their fire setting incidents: Characteristics and relationship to recidivism, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 33, 114-122, 1994. Canter and Frizan, Differentiating Arsonists. A model of fire setting and characteristics, Journal of Legal and Criminal Psychology, 3, 73-96, 1998.  Rice DP, MacKenzie EJ, and Associates. Cost of Injury in the United States: A Report to Congress. San Francisco, CA: Institute for Health & Aging; University of California and Injury Prevention Center, The Johns Hopkins University; 1989  Hall JR Jr. Patterns of Fire Casualties in Home Fires by Age and Sex. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, Fire Analysis and Research Division; 1999  Baker SP, Waller AE. Childhood Injury State-by-State Mortality Facts. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins Injury Prevention Center; 1989 Jones, Ribbe and Cunningham, Psychological correlates of fire disaster among children and adolescents. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 7, 117-122, 1994. Read More