Title
To declare the week of October 9 through 15, 2016 to be Fire Prevention Week in Columbus, Ohio
Body
WHEREAS, The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Don’t Wait-Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.” This is the third year the focus of Fire Prevention Week has been on essential smoke alarm safety; and
WHEREAS, The Columbus Division of Fire is educating citizens on the importance of knowing the age of each smoke alarm their home and replacing them 10 years after the manufacture date; and
WHEREAS, Every year in the United States, there are 2,500 deaths that result from home fires. Of these deaths, 60% occur during fires in which no working smoke alarm is present; and
WHEREAS, Smoke alarms are crucial elements in the early detection of fires. Smoke and toxic fumes spread through a house faster than flames. Smoke inhalation is the primary cause of death for home fire victims; and
WHEREAS, Because families may have as little as two minutes to get out of their house once a fire starts, smoke alarms provide the warning that residents need to safely escape; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby declare the week of October 9 through 15, 2016 to be Fire Prevention Week, and urges the residents of Columbus to ensure their smoke alarms are working properly.