Title
To declare the week of October 7 through 13, 2018 to be Fire Prevention Week in Columbus, Ohio
Body
WHEREAS, the 2018 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware - fire can happen anywhere” effectively serves to remind us that we need to take personal steps to increase our safety from fire; and
WHEREAS, homes are at the greatest risk for fires, the National Fire Prevention Association estimates that fire departments across the United States responded to 352,000 home fires in 2016; and
WHEREAS, home fires were responsible for 4 out of 5 fire related deaths each year, resulting in the death of 2,735 people in 2016; and
WHEREAS, the fire death rate per 1000 home fires reported to U.S. fire departments was 10 percent higher in 2016 than in 1980; and
WHEREAS, a home fire escape plan provides the skill set and know-how to quickly and safely escape a home fire situation; and
WHEREAS, a home fire escape plan includes two exits from every room in the home; a path to the outside from each exit; smoke alarms in all required locations; and a meeting place outside where everyone in the home will meet upon exiting; and
WHEREAS, home fire escape plans should be developed by all members of the household; and
WHEREAS, practicing a home fire escape plan twice a year ensures that everyone in the household knows what to do in a real fire situation;
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby proclaim October 7-13, 2018, as Fire Prevention Week. We urge all the residents of Columbus to find develop a home fire escape plan with all members of the household and practice it twice a year, and to participate in the many public safety activities and efforts of Columbus fire and emergency services during Fire Prevention Week 2018.