Agenda - 10-01-2024; 8-l - Fire Prevention Week Proclamation

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1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: October 1, 2024 Action Agenda Item No. 8-1 SUBJECT: Fire Prevention Week Proclamation DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Proclamation Christopher Pendergrass, Interim Division Chief, Fire & Life Safety, 919-245-6125 Kirby Saunders, Emergency Services Director, 919-245-6123 PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating the week of October 6 through 12, 2024 as Fire Prevention Week in Orange County. BACKGROUND: Fire Prevention Week is celebrating its 102nd year, the longest running health campaign, to honor the brave firefighters and first responders who risk their lives to protect us every day and reaffirm the importance of fire safety and preparedness. Fire Prevention Week was started by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 1922 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Fire Prevention Week teaches children and adults how to stay safe in the event of a fire. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week to occur from October 4 through October 10, 1925. President Coolidge stated that, "This waste results from the conditions which justify a sense of shame and horror; for the greater part of it could and ought to be prevented... It is highly desirable that every effort be made to reform the conditions which have made possible so vast a destruction of the national wealth." The Great Chicago Fire burned from October 8 to October 10, 1871, with most of the damage occurring on October 9th. The fire caused roughly $200 million in damages, killing approximately 300 people, and destroying over 17,000 buildings and structures. The consequences were more than just fire damage itself, as martial law had to be declared after an outbreak of looting and lawlessness. Fire impacts a community financially, including lost tax revenue, reduced tourism and business investment, downgraded bonds, and reduced real estate values. This week, all people in Orange County should educate themselves about fire prevention and safety and recommit to taking the necessary steps to prevent fires. The year's theme, "Smoke alarms: Make them work for you.", serves to remind us of the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.