Arson (Tapp C) Program
TAPP-C is a program that brings together fire service and counselling professionals to help families deal effectively with children and teens involved in fire-play. The Greater Sudbury Fire Services' professionals educate children and their families about fire and how to develop good fire safety practices. Counselling professionals assess the risk of continued fire involvement and help children and their families deal with problems that may contribute to the fire setting. TAPP-C is free of charge and is available to children from 2 to 17 years of age.
Keep your child safe from fire
You can help to protect your child and family from fire by following these fire safety tips:
- Make sure that young children are supervised at all times
- Keep matches and lighters locked away where children cannot get them.
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. Test them regularly.
- Develop and practice a home fire escape plan.
If your child is involved in fire-play or fire setting, you are not alone. Many children have a fascination with fire. It is important to understand that while curiosity about fire is natural, fire-play can be dangerous. In fact, fire is a leading cause of death among children in the home. Unfortunately, many youngsters start the very fires that injure or kill themselves or others.
What is fire play:
Fire-play can be many things:
- Playing with matches or lighters
- Playing with the toaster, stove or furnace
- Burning items such as toys, paper or garbage
- Setting a fire to destroy something or hurt someone
Things to watch for:
If you notice any of the following, your child may be involved in fire-play:
- Matches or lighters go missing
- Matches or lighters are found among your child's belongings
- There are burn marks on household items or your child's clothing or possessions
- Your child is extremely interested in fire
HELP IS AVAILABLE.
Fire setting presents an enormous risk to children, their families and the community. Fire involvement can be a sign of other problems in a child's life. It can start at any age. Fire-play can start out small and lead to larger and more serious fires that threaten the safety of the child and the family. It's important that you deal with any fire involvement immediately.
That's where TAPP-C comes in.
If you need more information on the TAPP-C program or information on how to get help please contact
Greater Sudbury Fire Services 705-674-4455 ext. 2780 or visit the Greater Sudbury Fire Services' website at :