Orange County NC Website
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> <br />PROCLAMATION <br /> <br />FIRE PREVENTION WEEK <br /> <br />OCTOBER 5-11, 2025 <br />. <br />WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and <br />visiting our county; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, fire remains a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and the presence of <br />lithium-ion batteries in many household devices introduces unique fire risks; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, most of the electronics used in homes daily – including smartphones, tablets, laptops, power <br />tools, e-bikes, e-scooters, golf carts, and toys – are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which if misused, <br />damaged, or improperly charged, can overheat, start a fire, or explode; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFFA®) reports an increase in battery-related <br />fires, underscoring the need for public education on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, residents should follow three key calls to action: Buy only listed products, charge batteries <br />safely, and recycle them responsibly to prevent battery-related fires; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space, and improper use such <br />as overcharging, using off-brand chargers without safety certification, or exposing batteries to damage can <br />result in fire or explosion; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, the proper disposal and recycling of lithium-ion batteries help prevent environmental hazards <br />and reduce fire risks in the home and community; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, Orange County first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of fires through <br />prevention, safety education, and community outreach; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, Orange County residents are responsive to public education measures and can take personal <br />steps to increase their safety from fire, especially in their homes; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, the 2025 Fire Prevention Week™ theme, "Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries <br />in Your Home," serves to remind us of the importance of using, charging, and recycling lithium-ion <br />batteries safely to reduce the risk of fires in homes and communities; <br /> <br />NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim October 5- <br />11, 2025, as Fire Prevention week throughout this community, and urge all the people of Orange County <br />to prepare and practice a home fire escape plan for Fire Prevention Week 2025 and to support the many <br />public safety activities and efforts of Orange County’s fire and emergency services. <br /> <br />This the 7th day of October, 2025. <br /> <br />___________________________________ <br />Jamezetta Bedford, Chair <br />Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />___________________________ <br />Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board <br />3