Title
To declare the week of October 4-10, 2009 National Fire Prevention Week in Columbus, Ohio.
Body
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; and
WHEREAS, roughly 3,000 people die as a result of home fires and burns, more than 200,000 individuals are seen in the nation's emergency rooms for burn injuries; and
WHEREAS, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, while heating equipment and smoking are the leading causes of home fire deaths; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Division of Fire is dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education; and
WHEREAS, residents of Columbus are urged to take personal steps to prevent fires, especially in their homes; 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 inside and outside of 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 at least twice a year with every member of the household are critical to escaping a fire safely; and
WHEREAS, the 2009 Fire Prevention Week theme, "Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned" reminds us all of the simple actions we can take to stay safer from fire during Fire Prevention Week and year-round; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby declare the week of October 4-10, 2009 National Fire Prevention Week and expresses 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.