Title
To declare the week of October 5-11, 2008 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, in 2006, fire departments across the country responded to 396,000 home fires causing 2,580 civilian deaths, 12,500 civilian injuries and $6.8 billion in direct damage; 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 committed to reducing fire deaths and injuries and minimizing property destruction from the devastating effects of fire in the home; 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 2008 Fire Prevention Week theme, "It's Fire Prevention Week - Prevent Home Fires" is an important reminder for all citizens of Columbus of the simple actions they can take to stay safe from fire at home; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby declare the week of October 5-11, 2008 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.