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