HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 10-03-23; 8-e - Proclamation for Fire Prevention Week – October 8-14, 2023 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 3, 2023
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-e
SUBJECT: Proclamation for Fire Prevention Week — October 8-14, 2023
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services Fire & Life
Safety Division
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Elizabeth Farnan, 919-245-6153
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating October 8-14, 2023 as Fire Prevention Week
in Orange County to honor the brave firefighters and first responders who risk their lives to protect
the public every day, and to reaffirm the importance of fire safety and preparedness.
BACKGROUND: Fire Prevention Week was established by the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) in 1922 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Fire Prevention
Week is celebrated throughout North America every October and is the oldest public health
observance on record in the United States.
Entering its 101 st year, Fire Prevention Week seeks to educate people about the leading risks to
home fires and ways they can better protect themselves and their loved ones. Local fire
departments, schools, and community organizations play a key role in bringing Fire Prevention
Week to life in their communities each year by spreading basic but critical fire safety messages.
Orange County Emergency Services encourages all people in Orange County to educate
themselves about fire prevention and safety and recommit to taking the necessary steps to
prevent fires. This year's theme, "Cooking safety starts with YOU! Pay attention to fire
prevention."TM serves to remind Orange County residents of the importance of simple but
important steps they can take to help reduce the risk of fire when cooking at home, keeping
themselves and those around them safe. According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of
home fires, with nearly half (49 percent) of all home fires involving cooking equipment. Cooking
is also the leading cause of home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home
cooking fires and related deaths. Since January of this year, cooking fires have resulted in one
(1) fire fatality, four (4) burn injuries, and two (2) house fires in Orange County.
Fire impacts communities financially, including lost tax revenue, reduced tourism and business
investment, downgraded bonds, and reduced real estate values.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the proclamation.
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.
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic
background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic status.
• GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary
for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their
dependents.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with approval of the proclamation.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation designating October 8-14, 2023 as Fire Prevention Week in Orange
County.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
OCTOBER 8-14, 2023
WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those
living in and visiting the 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, noting that:
• Cooking is, by far, the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. In 2021,
fire departments in the United States responded to an estimated 170,000 home
cooking fires. These fires caused an estimated 135 deaths, 3,000 injuries and over
$494 million in property loss. Since January of this year, cooking fires have
resulted in one (1) fire fatality, four (4) burn injuries, and two (2) house fires in
Orange County.
• 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 (2) 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 should 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 residents who follow cooking fire safety tips can prevent kitchen
fires, especially by being on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don't
use the stove or stovetop.
• Orange County first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of
cooking fires and cooking 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.
WHEREAS, the 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme, "Cooking safety starts with YOU! Pay
attention to fire prevention TM," effectively serves to remind us it is important to practice
cooking safety and participate in fire prevention in our kitchens;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, do hereby
proclaim October 8-14, 2023, as Fire Prevention Week in Orange County and urge all the
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people of Orange County to practice cooking safety, to pay attention to fire prevention for
Fire Prevention Week 2023, and to support the many public safety activities and efforts
of Orange County's fire and emergency services personnel.
This the 3rd day of October 2023.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Laura Jensen Clerk to the Board