Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman CLEOPATRA G. TUCKER
District 28 (Essex)
SYNOPSIS
Designates month of October of each year as "Fire Safety Education Month."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating the month of October of each year as "Fire Safety Education Month."
Whereas, Each year, more than 1,348,500 fires cause significant physical and economic damage, and inflict long-lasting emotional scars; and
Whereas, According to the National Fire Protection Association, home structure fires cause 85% of civilian fire deaths and 74% of civilian fire injuries; and
Whereas, According to the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety in the Department of Community Affairs, in 2009, 29,625 fires were reported in the State of New Jersey, 717 firefighters were injured in fires, and 71 civilian lost their lives; and
Whereas, Although many fires and fire-related deaths are preventable, a fire occurs an average of every 23 seconds and claims nine lives every day; and
Whereas, In commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1872, which killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres in just two days, National Fire Prevention Week has been observed every year since 1922 to raise public awareness of the perils of fires and the need for fire prevention education; and
Whereas, Constant vigilance and a well-prepared public, equipped with fire safety and prevention education, can save lives; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The month of October of each year is designated as "Fire Safety Education Month" to raise public awareness of the dangers and the preventable nature of fires, highlight the importance of fire prevention, and promote fire safety education.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to issue a proclamation recognizing October as "Fire Safety Education Month" and calling upon public officials and the citizens of New Jersey to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates October of each year as "Fire Safety Education Month" to raise public awareness of the dangers and the preventable nature of fires, and promote fire safety education. Each year, fires cause significant physical and economic damage and inflict emotional scars. With greater fire safety education, people can prevent fires from occurring and save lives.