HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-03-2022; 4-a - Fire Prevention Week Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 3, 2022
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Fire Prevention Week Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services
(Fire & Life Safety Division)
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Fire Prevention Week Proclamation Elizabeth Farnan, Division Chief, Fire &
Life Safety, 919-245-6153
Kirby Saunders, Emergency Services
Director, 919-245-6100
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating the week of October 9 through 15, 2022 as
Fire Prevention Week in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: Fire Prevention Week is celebrating its 100th year, the longest running health
campaign, to honor the brave firefighters and first responders who risk their lives to protect us
every day and reaffirm the importance of fire safety and preparedness.
Fire Prevention Week was started by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 1922 to
commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Fire Prevention Week teaches children and adults
how to stay safe in the event of a fire. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first
National Fire Prevention Week to occur from October 4 through October 10, 1925. President
Coolidge stated that, "This waste results from the conditions which justify a sense of shame and
horror; for the greater part of it could and ought to be prevented... It is highly desirable that every
effort be made to reform the conditions which have made possible so vast a destruction of the
national wealth".
The Great Chicago Fire burned from October 8 to October 10, 1871, with most of the damage
occurring on October 9th. The fire caused roughly $200 million in damages, killing approximately
300 people, and destroying over 17,000 buildings and structures. The consequences were more
than just fire damage itself, as martial law had to be declared after an outbreak of looting and
lawlessness.
Fire impacts a community financially, including lost tax revenue, reduced tourism and business
investment, downgraded bonds, and reduced real estate values. This week, all people in Orange
County should educate themselves about fire prevention and safety and recommit to taking the
necessary steps to prevent fires. The year's theme, "Fire won't wait. Plan your escape.TM 1 11
2
effectively serves to remind Orange County residents of the importance of having a home fire
escape plan.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable
to this item:
• GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang
activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.
Fire prevention is a leading effort to address safety for all. Fires devastate lives. Even when there
are no injuries or deaths, it can take years to recover from a fire. The loss of a home, possessions
and family treasures can haunt people, particularly children, for the rest of their lives.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation designating the week of October 9-15, 2022 as Fire Prevention
Week in Orange County.
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 3
PROCLAMATION
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
OCTOBER 9-15, 2022
WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in
and visiting our county; and
WHEREAS, fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and homes are the
locations where people are at greatest risk from fire, understanding that:
• Home fires caused 2,580 civilian deaths in the United States in 2020, according to the
National Fire Protection Association° (NFPA°), and fire departments in the United States
responded to 356,500 home fires.
• Home fires caused 4 civilian deaths in Orange County in 2021 and fire departments
responded to 1,296 home fires.
• Smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger in the event of
fire in which you may have as little as two minutes to escape safely.
• Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half.
• Orange County residents should be sure everyone in the home understands the sounds
of the smoke alarms and knows how to respond.
• Orange County residents who have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan are
more prepared and will therefore be more likely to survive a fire.
• Orange County residents need to make sure their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO)
alarms meet the needs of all their family members, including those with sensory or
physical disabilities.
• Orange County first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires
and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education.
• Orange County residents that are responsive to public education measures are better
able to take personal steps to increase their safety from fire, especially in their homes;
and
WHEREAS, the 2022 Fire Prevention Week theme, "Fire won't wait. Plan your escape," effectively
serves to remind us it is important to have a home fire escape plan;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim
October 9-15, 2022, as Fire Prevention Week throughout this community, and urge all the people
of Orange County to prepare and practice a home fire escape plan for Fire Prevention Week 2022
and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of Orange County's fire and emergency
services.
This the 3rd day of October, 2022.
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board