Susan Day Interview

Summary

Susan Day, Executive Director of the Burn Institute, discusses the startling statistic that over half of fire starters are children, often due to curiosity. The Institute's Youth Firesetter Intervention Program serves children aged 5 to 18, educating them and their parents about fire safety and consequences to prevent future incidents. Funded by a $25,000 grant, the program has been successful with no recidivism in the past five years. The Institute also offers fire prevention programs in schools and supports burn survivors.

Takeaways

• 🔥 Susan Day is the Executive Director for the Burn Institute.
• 👶 Over 55% of fire starters are children, often due to curiosity and mimicry.
• 👀 Parents should be vigilant about children experimenting with fire, especially ages 5 to 18.
• 🏠 The Burn Institute's Youth Firesetter Intervention Program serves children from 5 to under 18.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The program involves both the child and their parent or caregiver in the educational process.
• 📈 An evidence-based FEMA assessment is used to evaluate the likelihood of future fire-setting.
• 🏥 The program includes education on consequences, arson definitions, and safety.
• 👨‍🎓 The curriculum is age-appropriate and interactive, with homework assignments.
• 💼 The Burn Institute receives referrals from various partners including courts, fire services, and schools.
• 🌳 The program has been successful, with no recidivism in the last five years.
• 💼 The recent $25,000 grant will be used primarily for personnel to sustain the program.

Q & A

What is Susan Day's role at the Burn Institute?

Susan Day is the Executive Director for the Burn Institute.

Why are children more likely to start fires?

Children are more likely to start fires due to curiosity and mimicking behaviors they have seen adults perform, such as lighting birthday candles or starting campfires, without understanding the consequences or danger.

What age range does the Burn Institute's Youth Firesetter Intervention Program serve?

The Burn Institute's Youth Firesetter Intervention Program serves children aged five to under 18.

What are some signs parents should look for that might indicate their child is experimenting with fire?

Parents should look for charred areas in the yard or house with no apparent reason, such as areas not used for barbecues, as indicators that their child might be experimenting with fire.

How does the Burn Institute help children who have been setting fires?

The Burn Institute helps by conducting assessments, educating both the child and their parent or caregiver about the consequences of fire-setting, and providing a curriculum that addresses the dangers and legal implications.

What is the purpose of the 25,000 grant the Burn Institute received?

The 25,000 grant is used to sustain the Youth Firesetter Intervention Program, primarily funding personnel costs as they are the largest expense in running the program.

How successful has the Burn Institute's Youth Firesetter Intervention Program been?

The program has been very successful, with no children who have completed the program subsequently setting fires.

How long does it take for a child to go through the Youth Firesetter Intervention Program?

On average, a child would complete the program in about six weeks, depending on the family's schedule.

What other programs and services does the Burn Institute offer?

The Burn Institute offers fire and burn prevention programs in schools, free smoke alarm installations for seniors, wildfire guides, and burn survivor support.

Does the Burn Institute work with local fire departments?

Yes, the Burn Institute has a strong partnership with fire departments throughout San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside counties, working together on prevention and education efforts.

Who could be a good contact for more information on the Burn Institute's prevention programs involving local schools?

Fire Chief Colin Stoll with San Diego Fire Rescue could be a good contact for more information on prevention programs and involvement in local schools.