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
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