HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-01-2024; 8-l - Fire Prevention Week Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 1, 2024
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-1
SUBJECT: Fire Prevention Week Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Christopher Pendergrass, Interim
Division Chief, Fire & Life Safety,
919-245-6125
Kirby Saunders, Emergency Services
Director, 919-245-6123
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating the week of October 6 through 12, 2024 as
Fire Prevention Week in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: Fire Prevention Week is celebrating its 102nd 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, "Smoke alarms: Make them work for you.",
serves to remind us of the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
2
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 6. Provide sustainable, equitable, and high-quality community safety and
emergency services to meet the community's evolving needs.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation designating the week of October 6-12, 2024 as Fire Prevention
Week in Orange County.
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 3
PROCLAMATION
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
OCTOBER 6-12, 2024
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 killed more than 2,700 people in the United States in 2022, according to the
National Fire Protection Association@(NFPAO), and fire departments in the United States
responded to 360,000 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 2024 Fire Prevention Week theme, "Smoke alarms: Make them work for you.,"
serves to remind us of the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim
October 6-12, 2024, 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 2024
and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of Orange County's fire and emergency
services.
This the 1st day of October, 2024.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board