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<br />
<br />THE JUVENILE FIRESETTER
<br />
<br />Firesetting by children and adolescents has become of
<br />increasing concern to fire service professionals as well as
<br />communities across the country. Because children have immediate
<br />access to matches and lighters, are bored, or have a fascination
<br />with fire some of them are going to start a fire. Though some may
<br />be accidental, the outcome may cause major loss of property, cause
<br />injury, or even take a life.
<br />When a child is caught playing with matches or setting a
<br />fire by a parent, there is often disbelief that there may be a problem.
<br />In most cases the parent disciplines the child and thinks the issue is
<br />over. But in many cases, if the child's actions go further then curiosity,
<br />intervention is needed immediately. The next fire may be a garbage
<br />can, garage, house, or even a business. It is time to take action
<br />now!
<br />The State of Minnesota and Anoka County has taken this
<br />problem seriously. Firesetting by children and adolescents has
<br />become a problem of increasing concern across the country. While
<br />most people have a fascination with fire, young people usually do
<br />not understand its destructive consequences. The reasons that
<br />individuals set fires vary immensely, and with this in mind an
<br />educational and referral system has been designed to ensure
<br />appropriate intervention takes place. Statistics show that without
<br />rapid and appropriate intervention a rate of recidivism that exceeds
<br />80% can be expected.
<br />There is assistance available to those children that set fires.
<br />As a member of the Anoka County Juvenile Firesetter Intervention
<br />Program, I can tell you that this program is active and successful.
<br />Children are referred to our program from around the Twin Cities,
<br />which says a lot about those working on the issue. Last year, the
<br />average juvenile firesetter was a 13-year-old white male. They range
<br />from curious to chronic offenders and range from ages 3-17 years
<br />old.
<br />If you lmow a child that is setting fires, let's tal(e action
<br />fast! Let's get the child and parents some education so no one gets
<br />hurt or loses everything they have worl(ed hard for. In the mean
<br />time, simple steps such as l(eeping matches, lighters, and fireworl(s
<br />away from children will greatly reduce the risl(. Above all, set a
<br />good example about fire safety and do not be ashamed to get help
<br />for your child or another. If you would like further information on
<br />the juvenile firesetter program, please call Jerry Streich @ 763-433-
<br />9832. All information discussed with you will be confidential.
<br />
<br />NEW IN ToWN
<br />
<br />If you are a new resident of the City of Ramsey, please visit
<br />the Municipal Center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday to
<br />pick up a new resident packet and your recycling bin. The Munici-
<br />pal Center is located at 15153 Nowthen Blvd. NW, north of Ramsey
<br />Elementary School on the opposite side of the road.
<br />
<br />ANOKA COUNTY
<br />
<br />II A.....' H.. OUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS
<br />
<br />". , WASTE FACILITY
<br />i IJ ~ "
<br />(.Jo'qJN, ·
<br />The household hazardous waste facility
<br />allows residents to safely dispose of leftover or
<br />unwanted household chemicals and other hazardous
<br />materials. When disposed of improperly in the trash,
<br />down the drain or on the ground hazardous waste
<br />can contribute to the contamination of ground water,
<br />lakes, streams and soils. Hazardous waste can harm
<br />you, your family, or your garbage hauler.
<br />
<br />Household hazardous wastes that can be
<br />brought to the facility include:
<br />
<br />· Acids
<br />· Aerosol cans with product remaining
<br />· Drain cleaner
<br />· Driveway sealer
<br />· Liquid paint
<br />· Liquid mercury
<br />· Mercury thermometers
<br />· Oven cleaner
<br />· Paint stripper or thinner
<br />· Pesticides
<br />· Pool chemicals
<br />· Wood preservatives
<br />
<br />Residents may receive a free digital fever
<br />thermometer by bringing a mercury fever
<br />thermometer to the household hazardous waste
<br />facility. Retailers can no longer sell mercury fever
<br />thermometers because mercury can harm humans
<br />and wildlife.
<br />Wastes that are not accepted at the facility
<br />include ammunition, appliances, batteries, dried paint,
<br />empty containers, fluorescent lamps, medical
<br />wastes, radioactive wastes, railroad ties, and tires.
<br />For disposal options for unacceptable wastes, call
<br />Anoka County Integrated Waste Management at
<br />(763) 323-5730.
<br />Residents dropping materials off at the
<br />facility must provide proof of county residency, such
<br />as a driver's license. Businesses, organizations, and
<br />schools may not bring hazardous waste to the facility.
<br />The Anol(a County Household Hazardous
<br />Waste Facility provides year-round services. The
<br />facility is located at 3230 101stAvenue NE, Blaine.
<br />The facility is open on Wednesdays from 2 8 p.m.,
<br />Fridays (April October only) 9 a.m. 3 p.m. and
<br />Saturdays 9 a.m. 3 p.m. For more information, call
<br />Anoka County Integrated Waste Management at
<br />(763) 323-5730.
<br />
<br />I've learned. . . That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
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