Title
To declare the week of October 6-12, 2013 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, a home structure fire is reported every 85 seconds and an average of seven people die in home fires each day; and
WHEREAS, the leading causes of home fires are cooking, heating and electrical equipment, as well as candles and smoking materials; and
WHEREAS, in 2011, U.S. fire departments responded to 370,000 home fires, resulting in 13,910 civilian injuries, 2,520 civilian deaths and $6.9 billion in direct damage; and
WHEREAS, between 2007 and 2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 156,600 cooking-related fires, resulting in 400 civilian deaths, 5,080 civilian injuries and $853 million in direct damage; and
WHEREAS, two of every five home fires start in the kitchen and unattended cooking is a factor in 34% of reported home cooking fires; and
WHEREAS, it is important for families and children to learn about how kitchen fires can start and what to do to prevent kitchen fires from starting in the first place; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Division of Fire is dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and education; and
WHEREAS, residents of Columbus are urged to take personal steps to protect their homes and families with life-saving technology and planning to help prevent fire, with particular emphasis this year on practicing kitchen safety; and
WHEREAS, the 2013 Fire Prevention Week theme, "Prevent Kitchen Fires," reminds us all of the dangers of cooking fires and the importance of practicing kitchen safety 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 6-12, 2013 National Fire Preven...
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