Explanation
Title
To proclaim the week of October 9-15, 2005 as NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK, and convey our gratitude to all members of the Columbus Division of Fire for their outstanding contributions to the safety and well being of the citizens of Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, 79% of all fire deaths in the United States occur in the home; and
WHEREAS, The Columbus Division of Fire is committed to reducing fire deaths and injuries and minimizing property destruction from the devastating effects of fire; and
WHEREAS, residents of Columbus are urged to understand safety measures that can significantly cut the risk of fire; and
WHEREAS, a fire can spread rapidly and a quick escape from the home increases the chances of survival; and
WHEREAS, working smoke alarms have been proven an effective life-saver, having helped to cut the home fire death rate by one half since their introduction to the general public; and
WHEREAS, working smoke alarms are essential for every household in Columbus and should be installed on every level of the home, including the basement and outside each sleeping area; and
WHEREAS, developing a home fire escape plan, with two ways out of each room and an outside meeting place and practicing it twice a year with every member of the household are critical to escaping a fire safely; and
WHEREAS, the 2004 Fire Prevention Week theme, "It's Fire Prevention Week: Test Your Smoke Alarms" is an important reminder for all citizens of Columbus to install smoke alarms correctly and test them regularly; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Columbus Division of Fire are joined by other concerned citizens of Columbus, as well as other emergency service providers and safety advocates, businesses, schools, service clubs and organizations in their fire safety efforts; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby proclaim the week of October 9-15, 2005 as NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK, and convey our gratitude to all members of the Columbus Division of Fire for their outstanding contributions to the safety and well being of the citizens of Columbus.