Study hard. Normally, billionaires don't happen by accident. Be a billionaire by studying interest rates, tax brackets and dividends. Take finance classes online or at a university. Read books about investing.
Study finance and entrepreneurship. Learn to identify consumer needs, then develop business models to fulfill those needs. Currently, computer science skills and new technology are lucrative careers.
Read about suc Warren Buffett, Bill Gates or Jon Huntsman, Sr. Be wise with money to amass more.
Save money. It takes money to make money. Set aside a specific amount of money from each paycheck and put it in a savings account, to collect interest and use for future investments.
Decide what percentage of earnings to spare - as little as $20 per paycheck will make a difference over three or four years. Invest money you can afford to lose in a high-risk investment.
Start an Individual Retirement Account (). Available from financial institutions, IRAs are customized financial plans, set up to save for the future. To save a billion dollars, start saving as soon as possible. Interest accrues on savings.
Depending on the financial institution, a minimum amount of money may be required initially. Research options and talk to a financial advisor.
. It's hard to get ahead with debts hanging over head. Student loans and credit card debt should be paid off as soon as possible. Average annual percentage rates vary between 20% and 30%, so the balance will continue growing.
Make a five-year plan. Estimate how much money to save over 5 years. Decide the best way to use money, whether it's investing, starting a business or allowing money to collect interest.
Keep finances a priority. Write financial goals down and refer to these regularly. To stay interested in financial projects, write reminders and put them where they will be seen every day - for instance, on the bathroom mirror or the dashboard of your car.
. A common way to make money is investing in real estate. Property may gain in value over years, and may provide a good return on investment. Investments can be , , or .
Beware of investing during an artificially inflated market, and make sure the monthly mortgage is easily affordable. It would be a good idea to read about the 2008 sub prime mortgage crisis in the United States to learn from cautionary tales.
Invest in business.
can be a solid way to make money. Create or choose a company that offers a product or service that you would buy yourself, and put time and money toward improving it. Learn about the industry to differentiate good and bad business investments.
Investing in green energy and computer technology may be a good plan for the future. These businesses are projected to grow over the next decades, so investing now may be a smart investment.
. The stock market may be a good place to increase wealth. Watch the markets carefully before buying and pay attention to which stocks are successful. Be informed to make smart purchases. Most stocks appreciate over the long term. Ride out small dips in value and take occasional risks.
Dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs) and direct stock purchase plans (DSPs) bypass brokers (and commissions) by buying directly from company agents. These are offered by over 1,000 major corporations. Invest as little as $20-30 fractional shares of stocks can be bought.
Open Money Market Accounts (MMAs). These accounts require a higher minimum amount than regular savings accounts, but accrue twice the rate of interest of a savings account. High-yield MMAs are somewhat risky--withdrawing the money and affecting its investments are limited--but it's a good way to allow money to grow by doing, essentially, nothing.
. Bonds are interest certificates issued by government agencies, like the Treasury, which offers no risk of default. The government controls the printing presses and can print whatever money is required to cover the principal, so these are relatively safe investments and a good way to diversify your investments.
Talk to a trustworthy broker and consider a bond-buying plan over to diversify your portfolio.
Consult good brokers for advice. Money is as good as the advice received. After accumulating a considerable amount of wealth, nobody wants to spend time huddled in front of a monitor watching stocks change by fractions of a percentage. You're going to want to be out living life. Good, trustworthy financial advisors and brokers will work to keep your accounts swelling with excess funds.
Diversify portfolio and investments. Don't keep money in one place. Diversify your portfolio and invest in stocks, real estate, mutual funds, bonds, and other investments recommended by brokers to modify risk. If a risky investment in ShamWow absorbent towels ends up tanking, at least you've still got a considerable amount of money in other ventures.
Make smart financial decisions. The Internet is full of penny stock schemes and get-rich-quick hokum that preys upon the ignorant and seduces gullible people into making bad financial decisions. Do the research and commit to a lifetime of investing and making money. There are very few exceptions to becoming an overnight billionaire.
When in doubt, be conservative with investments. Diversifying money wisely, letting interest accrue and riding fluctuating markets will be a smart decision in the long run.
Know when to get out. At a certain point, knowing when to pull out of an investment before it collapses from under you is essential. If you've surrounded yourself with smart brokers, listen to their advice, but also know when to listen to your gut.
If you see an opportunity to sell big and make a profit, do it. Profit is profit. If that stock ends up appreciating the next year, you've still made money that you can reinvest elsewhere.
Act the part. To be a billionaire, act like one. Mingle with moneyed and cultured people, pick up advice and knowledge from the experienced.
Cultivate interests in , fine dining, and travel. Consider buying a yacht and other standard trappings of the wealthy that are unaffordable.
There's a distinction between "old money" and "new money." New money is a derogatory term for people who have gained wealth quickly and live ostentatiously, spending and living a lavish lifestyle. To hold onto wealth, learn from old money and ascend to the stratosphere.
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Please be as detailed as possible in your explanation. We will take your detailed information, edit it for clarity and accuracy, and incorporate it into an article that will help thousands of people.Don't say: Eat more fats.
Do say: Add fats with some nutritional value to the foods you already eat. Try olive oil, butter, avocado, and mayonnaise.
Learn to take calculated risks. Money earns interest in the bank, but to earn more consider other ways to invest.
Be creative. To start a business or invest in a business, create a solution to a problem with an angle that no one else has considered.
Develop a framework of proper time management and routine. Save time and use extra time constructively.
Avoid get-rich scams. Run from people promising unrealistic stock market returns (any return of 10-15% or more).
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Arson Investigation Basics
excerpted from &Motive, Means, and Opportunity, A Guide
to Fire Investigation.&
American Re-Insurance Company, Claims Division, 1996.
Table of Contents
The Investigation
An arson investigation basically focuses on four areas:
1. Proof of incendiarism - comes from an examination of the fire scene
by a qualified cause and origin expert.
2. Proof of opportunity - focuses on the security of the building when
the fire was discovered and who had access.
3. Proof of motive - focuses on the insured's financial condition, profit
or loss from operations and cash flow.
4. Miscellaneous connecting evidence - includes an examination of the
insured's insurance history, operability of fire and burglar detection systems,
how insured learned about the fire, etc.
A Checklist of Arson Investigative Procedures*
Here's a rundown of some of the procedures of an arson investigation:
1. Identify initial caller from fire/police tape or through interviews
2. Obtain aerial photos/diagram of scene
3. Obtain insurance information
Identify public/private adjusters and insurance investigators
4. Perform background checks
5. Record checks of the property involved
Title search
Assessor's record
Tax records, etc.
6. Weather conditions
7. Previous police activity and vandalism in the area
8. Police/fire reports
9. Laboratory reports
10. Check area hospitals
11. Check area gas stations
12. Financial information
Bank records
Personal records
Business records
13. Check newspaper/TV photos and articles
14. Request all information from insurance company
Proof of loss
Taped interviews, etc.
All previous claims
Interview person who receives report of loss (agent/secretary)
15. Attempt to establish motive
Additional Procedures for the Fatal Fire
1. Medical Examiner called to the scene
2. Autopsy and x-rays of body taken
3. Description of condition of body at the scene noted
4. Check for pugilistic position of body
5. Take samples of area around the body
*This section is based upon and contains excerpts and quotes
from &Basic Tools and Resources for the Arson Investigators: A Handbook,&
by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States Fire Administration.
A. Legal Entry and Evidence Collecting
THE MATERIAL IN THIS SECTION, AS IN OTHERS THROUGHOUT THE TEXT, SHOULD
NOT BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. READERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT APPROPRIATE
LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE LAW, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES APPLICABLE IN YOUR JURISDICTION.
IMPORTANT!!! Legal entry and handling of evidence at a fire scene is
absolutely critical. If a scene is not entered and evidence collected with
the proper procedures, the evidence may not be admissible in court.
Investigators must decide both what to collect and where to collect evidence.
Evidence that is insufficient or sampled from the wrong location can severely
damage an investigation and a case against an arsonist. And, if evidence
isn't collected at the scene, returning to the scene is problematic: evidence
may be destroyed, diluted or altered.
Two major factors affecting admissibility in court of exhibits are:
The exhibit must be labeled so it's clearly and distinctly recognized
in the lab or court as a specific piece of material recovered at the fire
The exhibit must be uncontaminated or unaltered: in the same state
it was in when it was collected.
To improve the chances of admissibility, evidence should be:
Clearly identified with a proper label, tag or mark
Correctly collected and placed in appropriate containers
Stored and handled securely with a short, documented chain of custody
and if possible all evidence should be handled by one person
1. Comply with legal requirements--
a. Fire officials normally need no warrant to remain in a building for
a reasonable period of time to investigate the cause of a fire after it
has been put out.
b. When in doubt, arrange an administrative or criminal search warrant
for all searches by calling the prosecutor's office.
c. Contact the district attorney, crime lab specialists, or other legal
experts any time questions come up about handling the scene or evidence.
2. When a search warrant is needed, it must be specific and should
a. The address and description of the property to be searched
b. Specific items being searched for
3. When there's reason to believe that evidence will be located where
the search is to take place, you may have probable cause. A Probable Cause
Affidavit may have to be written and it should include--
a. information about where, when, and what occurred
b. information in chronological order that leads to the conclusion that
evidence will be discovered in a particular location
4. When other investigators need to examine the scene, the following
a. For maximum effectiveness, it must be a cooperative effort of all
b. Investigators must preserve suspected fire causes for later examination
and analysis.
c. Arson immunity laws permit information sharing between fire and police
investigators and insurance company investigators.
(1) Arson immunity statute
(a) The major purpose is to increase the flow of vital investigative
information between insurance companies and law enforcement agencies. It
allows insurers to inform the state fire marshal or other such persons
of fires that appear to be suspicious in origin and permits insurers and
arson investigators to exchange information developed during their separate
investigations.
(b) Allows authorized agencies (state and federal fire marshals, law
enforcement officers, insurance commissioners and prosecuting attorneys)
to require that insurance companies release all information concerning
a policyholder involved in a fire loss including history of premium payments
and previous claims, as well as other files.
(c) Requires insurers to notify authorized agencies of suspicious fire
(d) Grants limited civil and criminal immunity to those insurers providing
information under the provisions of the statute
(e) Provides for the exchange of information between insurers and authorized
agencies, and the exchange of information among authorized agencies
(f) Provides for confidentiality of released information
IN THE FOLLOWING, READERS ARE AGAIN ADVISED TO CONSULT APPROPRIATE LEGAL
COUNSEL FOR THE LAW, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES APPLICABLE IN YOU JURISDIC-TION
BEFORE TAKING ACTION.
5. Items in plain view during a legal entry by an investigator may
be seized. But NOTE--
a. Items discovered during fire suppression are fair game.
b. Items discovered during salvage and overhaul are fair game.
6. The fire investigation at the scene must be performed at or near
the time of the fire. An exception may be when the investigation of a fire
that occurred at night halts and recommences in the morning because--
a. There is more light.
b. There is more equipment.
c. There is more assistance.
d. Conditions are better.
e. Hazards to fire fighters have been removed.
7. Investigators should document any investigator fatigue or discomfort
a. length of time on scene
b. weather
c. common sense controls
8. When the property is released to the property owner--
a. There should be a &ceremony& or formal acknowledgment of
giving control back to the owner or his representative.
b. The release of the property back to the owner or representative should
be documented so that there's no question about when it occurred.
c. After the property is released to the owner, it can only be re-entered
with consent or a warrant.
B. Preliminary Scene Examination*
1. Here is a summary of tasks to be completed at the fire scene:
a. Remove all debris not germane to the fire cause.
b. Cleanse all tools before bringing them into the area of origin (AO)
and establish an evidence collection area, where tools and evidence containers
should be assembled.
c. Replace furniture, appliances and other materials to their pre-fire
positions using the maps drawn by the occupants.
d. Analyze fire flow patterns, damage patterns and evidence like shields
and shadows, beveling, inverted cone burn patterns, etc. Document evidence
with photos, diagrams and notes.
e. Examine and document each potential accidental ignition source in
the AO. Do this even if there is gross evidence of arson.
f. Diagram the room of origin with accurate shape, dimensions, windows,
doors and other key features plus locations of key items and areas of evidence.
Record ceiling com-position and wall and floor surfaces on the diagram.
Measure movable items of evidence with a tape from fixed locations. With
tape measure, diagram and measure building exterior. Show first floor and
basement entrance/exit points with lock types and conditions. Orient all
drawings to north with a magnetic compass.
g. Document and collect physical evidence using appropriate methods.
h. Call in experts for advice if required (electrical inspectors, furnace
technicians, etc.)
i. Contact arson prosecutor before releasing the scene to see if he/she
would like to tour it with the investigation team.
2. Initial procedures for fire investigators at the scene include--
a. Check for possible secondary incendiary devices
b. Check license plates of automobiles in the area of the fire
c. Ensure that access to the scene is under control
Access to the fire scene must be controlled to avoid scene contamination
and injuries. Law enforcement agencies usually handle site access.
In small residential or building fires, investigators work from the
outside to the inside of the building. In large fires or explosions a search
strategy must be devised and followed by investigators.
3. At the scene, investigators should note--
a. activities in the area before and after the fire started
b. location of all electrical and heating equipment
c. smoke and heat patterns and structural damages (including any fire
&V& patterns)
d. dimensions, type of construction and furnishings
e. depth of char on items
4. Secure the area--
Don't rush to give up the scene. Take your time with each of these steps.
a. Defer overhaul of the scene until a thorough examination of the scene
is completed.
b. Secure and seal off the area with police barriers, ropes, etc.
c. Restrict entrance to the scene - including officers, other investigators
and news media. (Anyone entering the scene should be prepared to offer
court testimony about his or her reasons for entering.)
d. Arrange for a patrol of the area while the investigation is pending.
e. Searches and seizures must be lawful, administrative (based on statute)
or with warrant based on probable cause. f. Generally the property owner
or occupant's consent is required to search the scene if the fire scene
has been released by the fire department or time has elapsed since the
5. When the fire occurs in transient areas and inner cities, special
guidelines apply-*
Always obtain expanded personal identification (name, present address,
date of birth, social security number, work place or social worker, work
and home phone numbers, next-of-kin and their addresses, etc.). This gives
the investigator who must locate a witness months or years later multiple
avenues to pursue.
6. For chaotic street scenes, it's important to interview these people
a. Search the crowd near the fire for persons who: appear distressed,
try to leave when you approach or meet and hold your eyes when you approach.
b. Interview people living or working in adjacent buildings as early
as possible
c. Obtain expanded personal identification information
*Sections B and C are excerpted from a compilation of material from sources
listed in the bibliography at the end of this chapter.
C. Obligations and Responsibilities
1. Fire Fighters
There has always been a special relationship between fire fighters and
arson investigators. In fact, very often arson investigators come from
the ranks of fire fighters. Of course, the first responsibility of a fire
fighter arriving at the scene of a burning building is to save the lives
of anyone who might be in danger. Their second responsibility is to put
out the fire. But their third responsibility is to be observant and not
unnecessarily disturb the fire scene. As the first responding personnel,
fire fighters are in the best position to observe and report any suspicious
circumstances.
Here's a check list for first-responding fire fighters to keep in mind:
a. Weather conditions during response
b. Traffic conditions during response
c. View (perspective of building on arrival)
d. Extent of fire/smoke on arrival
e. Rapidity of fire/smoke spread on arrival
f. Color of flames and smoke on arrival
g. Explosion - if any
h. Suspicious persons at scene or leaving on arrival
i. Condition of fire hydrants on arrival
j. Access to the fire building
k. Building security at time of arrival (doors/windows)
l. Was view into structure blocked?
m. Were contents as they should have been?
(1) Personal items present
(2) Food in cabinets - refrigerator
(3) Cooking/eating utensils
(4) Power/gas on
n. Equipment or possessions removed
o. Odors at point of origin
p. Multiple fires
q. Did fire flash when water was introduced?
r. Holes in walls or ceilings
s. Evidence of extreme heat
t. Obstructions in building hampering fire fighting efforts
u. Was sprinkler system tampered with?
v. Was alarm system tampered with?
w. Methods used prior to fire department arrival to extinguish fire
x. Methods used by fire department to extinguish fire
y. Time that fire was declared as extinguished
z. Any idea of cause?
aa. Were owner/occupants at the scene? (How were they dressed? How did
they act?)
bb. &Eager Beaver& at scene
cc. Same people at many fires
dd. Remember and record what you did
2. Fire Investigator
Here are some tasks and guidelines for investigators:
a. Respond to serious fires or possible arson fires immediately after
fire apparatus is dispatched with complete &ready-to-go& gear,
tools and evidence collection equipment.
b. First investigator on the scene must call for additional assistance,
if needed, from the Fire Prevention Unit, State Fire Marshal's Office or
municipal police.
c. Speak to the fire officer-in-charge and the first-in firefighter
for their initial appraisal of the situation.
d. Immediately upon arrival, survey the exterior and interior of the
structure (if safe entry can be made!), the goals being to:
(1) Assess probable fire origins
(2) Secure obvious evidence
(3) Control fire overhaul procedures to protect evidence
e. If fire fighters are still working to extinguish the fire when you
arrive, making it impossible for you to conduct a scene examination, begin
interviewing witnesses. Record witness' statements in writing and have
them sign their statements. (See next section.)
3. Crime Scene Team Leader
Here are some guidelines for the team leader on the scene:
a. Attempt to reconstruct what happened to determine probable sources
of evidence.
b. Take notes answering the questions Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
Use a tape recorder if possible. Record:
(3) Weather conditions
(4) Who is present
(5) Lights in structure on or off
(6) Doors locked or open
(7) Air conditioner in structure on or off, etc.
c. Assign responsibilities to team members: evidence collection, photographs,
fingerprints, etc.
d. Notify agencies
(1) Notify appropriate persons in the departmental chain of command.
(2) Notify the prosecutor's office, medical examiner or coroner and
other specialists who may be required, in accordance with departmental
guidelines.
(3) Notify forensic science lab for response and technical assistance
(if required).
e. Relate the evidence to the fire scene
(1) Plan evidence collection
(2) Identify the nature of the item, if possible
(3) Photograph the item before touching or moving it
(4) Record evidence in field notes/sketches (include measurements)
(5) Identify witnesses present during discovery
4. Investigator Safety
Building collapse, asbestos dust, sharp nails, and poisons are a few
of the hazards an investigator faces. The following steps will help to
ensure investigator safety at the site:
a. If possible never work alone. But if you must, be certain a responsible
individual knows your location and timetable.
b. Know the signs of structural fatigue and failure caused by a fire.
c. Always wear a helmet, boots, goggles, and other protective gear at
the scene. d. Interview owner/occupants about storage of any poisonous
substances.
e. Wear an air filter mask.
f. Delay excavation until heavy smoldering ends.
g. Allow fresh air to circulate to dissipate carbon monoxide and other
h. Delay excavation to allow drainage and encourage rusting of metal
surfaces. (Burn patterns on metallic surfaces become more apparent when
they rust.)
D. Interviews*
Begin interviewing witnesses as soon as possible. Information gathering
should be aimed at uncovering information about these critical areas:
Information about events leading to the first appearance of fire.
Where the fire first appeared and its symptoms.
People present when fire occurred.
Possible accidental causes.
Map of contents and layout of the area of origin before the fire.
Details of possible motives for a given person to set the fire.
Legal releases and comprehensive statement from owner/occupant.
1. Who to interview-
a. Fire fighters
b. Patrol officers
d. Occupants
e. Discoverer of fire
f. Witnesses
What to do-
Park your response vehicle as close as safely possible facing the fire
Locate building occupants, passersby, eye-witnesses or those living
or working in abutting buildings.
Take written or taped statements, privately, one witness at a time
out of ear shot of other witnesses.
Try to have witnesses physically point out their observations about
the building and surrounding areas.
Have witnesses sign their statements.
Essentials for interviewing-
Obtain full data about witness - name, address, age, phone number,
Record where the witness, property owner or victim was at the time
of the fire.
Obtain the facts: what did the person see?
Verify witness' statement. (Is what they said possible?)
Leave the way open at the conclusion of the interview to contact the
witness' again if further information is needed.
Never conduct interviews in front of other witnesses.
Do not make critical or negative comments to influence the witness'
attitude toward the investigation. Remain neutral and interested in what
the witness has to say.
With a hostile witness, establish an informal rapport before asking
anything about the fire.
Never discuss controversial subjects unrelated to the fire (for instance,
politics).
Handle the property owner or victim of a fire with great care, particularly
if he/she is a suspect.
Do NOT suggest in any way that you know anything about the cause and
origin of the fire.
If possible, bring an associate with you to interviews to protect your
integrity and pro-vide a source to corroborate witness' statements: however,
this person is in addition to, NOT instead of, written or recorded notes.
The accompanying associate can corrobo-rate an uncooperative witness' oral
statement if necessary.
Ask cooperative witnesses to provide substantial detail about everything
they know about the fire.
2. What to ask-
a.Fire fighters at the Scene:
(1) Who reported the fire?
(a) How was the fire reported?
(b) When was the fire reported?
(c) Where was it reported from?
(d) To whom was it reported?
(2) What time was the first alarm received?
(a) How was the alarm received?
(b) What was the time of arrival?
(3) Who discovered the fire?
(a) How was it discovered?
(b) When was it discovered?
(4) Identify the first fire fighters or units at the scene.
(a) Did the fire fighters encounter any suspicious activity en route
to/or at the scene?
(b) How much time elapsed from the discovery of the fire to the time
of the alarm and arrival at the scene?
(5) Describe the accessibility to the scene.
(a) General condition of the fire:
1) extent of fire (intensity)
2) location of fire(s)
3) did anyone meet fire fighters upon arrival?
4) any familiar spectators at the scene?
(b) Color of smoke or flame?
1) unusual considering the fire load?
2) where were fire and smoke coming from?
3) what was the rapidity and spread of the fire?
(6) How was entry gained into structure?
(a) Describe condition of doors and windows.
(b) If entry was forced - how and by whom?
(7) Upon entry - where was fire centered? Were there separate fires?
(8) Any unusual odors?
(a) Where were odors coming from?
(b) When were odors noticed?
(9) Was the fire unusually difficult to extinguish? (Did the fire flash
when water was introduced?)
(10) Were there any obstructions to fire-fighting operations? Example:
hydrant cap missing, sprinkler tampered with
(11) Was the alarm system functioning properly?
(12) Did any witness make statements to fire fighters?
(13) Was owner at scene?
(a) Was owner available when contacted?
(b) What was owner's attitude?
(c) What was the owner's opinion as to cause?
(14) Names of persons allowed into scene.
(15) Was any physical evidence taken from scene?
(16) Were any photos taken of fire in progress?
(17) Any holes in walls or ceilings?
(18) Opinion as to how fire started?
(19) Name - Address - Phone (Day/Night).
b. Person(s) Discovering the Fire:
(1) What time was the fire discovered?
(2) What was seen, heard, smelled?
(a) Color of smoke/flames?
(b) Was an explosion heard?
1) Did it sound like thunder?
2) Did it sound like the crack of a whip?
(3) What made you notice the fire?
(4) Rapidity and spread of fire?
(5) Was building secure upon discovery of fire?
(6) Other persons at the scene?
(7) Vehicles at/leaving scene?
(8) Weather conditions?
(9) Name, address, phone, date of birth.
(10) Preserve tape-recorded emergency calls to fire/police.
(11) Where were you when you first observed fire?
c. Witnesses/Neighbors:
(1) What time did you notice the fire?
(2) Where was the fire first located?
(3)Rapidity and spread of fire?
(4) What did you see/hear/smell?
(a) Did you hear an explosion?
(b) Color of smoke/flame?
(5) Any activity around the scene before/after fire?
(a) Anyone seen leaving before/during the fire?
(b) Were owners/occupants at the scene?
(6) Vehicles? (Did any vehicles leave the scene?)
(7) General information concerning owner/occupants:
(a) Previous residences or other properties owned
(b) Marital status
(c) Employment of owner/occupant/insured
(d) Financial problems of subjects
(e) Unusual activity
(8) Opinion as to how fire started?
(9) Prior fires or vandalism in the neighborhood?
(10) Name, address, phone, date of birth
(11) Did you observe anyone removing contents before the fire?
(12) Where were you when you first observed the fire?
d. Owner/Occupant:
(1) Date and time of fire?
(2) Who discovered the fire?
(3) How were you notified of the fire?
(a) Who notified you?
(b) When notified?
(c) Where were you when notified?
(d) Alibi?
(4) Who was the last person in the building?
(5) Who has keys to building?
(6) Unusual activity before fire?
(7) Was building/property for sale?
(8) Neighborhood/zoning problems?
(9) Type of business (if applicable):
(a) Who are employees?
(b) Who is accountant?/Where are financial records?
(c) Banks?
(d) Who are customers/suppliers?
(e) Description and location of business records?
(10) Owner or tenant?
(a) How long?
(b) Leases?
(11) Insurance Policies
(a) Agent/Public Adjuster?
(b) Insurance companies?
(c) Description of policies?
1) Type and number
2) Amount of coverage
(d) Any recent changes in amount of coverage?
(e) Any previous losses?
(12) Description of contents of building/store/apartment -
(a) Location of flammables, utilities, etc.?
(b) Age of building?
(c) Sprinklers/alarms?
(d) Floor plan?
(e) Fire hazards/flammable liquid storage?
(f) Description of utilities?
(g) Description of appliances?
(h) Alterations/repairs?
*This section is based upon, and contains
excerpts and quotes from &A New Approach to Fire and Arson Investigation&
by Detective Lt. Robert A. Corry, Unit Commander, State Fire Marshal's Office,
Boston, MA and Brett Vottero, Arson Prosecutor, Hampden County District
Attorney's Office, Springfield, MA. It is used with their permission.
Reprinted with permission.
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