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3 <br /> consequences were more than just fire damage itself, as martial law had to be declared after an <br /> outbreak of looting and lawlessness. <br /> Fire impacts a community financially, including lost tax revenue, reduced tourism and business <br /> investment, downgraded bonds, and reduced real estate values. This week, all people in <br /> Orange County should educate themselves about fire prevention and safety and recommit to <br /> taking the necessary steps to prevent fires. The year's theme, "Fire will not wait. Plan your <br /> escape.T"'," effectively serves to remind Orange County residents of the importance of having a <br /> home fire escape plan. <br /> Commissioner McKee read the following proclamation: <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> PROCLAMATION <br /> FIRE PREVENTION WEEK <br /> OCTOBER 9-15, 2022 <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living <br /> in and visiting our county; and <br /> WHEREAS, fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and homes are <br /> the locations where people are at greatest risk from fire, understanding that: <br /> • Home fires caused 2,580 civilian deaths in the United States in 2020, according to the <br /> National Fire Protection Association° (NFPA°), and fire departments in the United <br /> States responded to 356,500 home fires. <br /> • Home fires caused 4 civilian deaths in Orange County in 2021 and fire departments <br /> responded to 1,296 home fires. <br /> • Smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger in the event of <br /> fire in which you may have as little as two minutes to escape safely. <br /> • Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half. <br /> • Orange County residents should be sure everyone in the home understands the sounds <br /> of the smoke alarms and knows how to respond. <br /> • Orange County residents who have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan are <br /> more prepared and will therefore be more likely to survive a fire. <br /> • Orange County residents need to make sure their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) <br /> alarms meet the needs of all their family members, including those with sensory or <br /> physical disabilities. <br /> • Orange County first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires <br /> and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education. <br /> • Orange County residents that are responsive to public education measures are better <br /> able to take personal steps to increase their safety from fire, especially in their homes; <br /> and <br /> WHEREAS, the 2022 Fire Prevention Week theme, "Fire won't wait. Plan your escape," <br />