Assembly Resolution No. 451
BY: M. of A. DeStefano
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2023, as Wildfire Safety Awareness Month in the
State of New York
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
environmental disasters that affect the lives of citizens of New York
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2023, as Wildfire
Safety Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Wildfire Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, National Wildfire Awareness Month dedicates the entire
month of May to increasing prevention and preparedness for wildfires
throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, According to the National Interagency Fire Center, humans
cause an average of 68% of fires per year in the United States; of those
human-started fires, 2.8 million acres burn each year; in 2018,
8,767,492 acres burned due to human-started fires and lightning strikes;
and
WHEREAS, There are steps to take to prevent wildfires; from using
fire resisting building materials to following the safety protocols for
handling fire when camping, heating your home or storing fuel, all New
Yorkers can take part in reducing wildfires; and
WHEREAS, While wildfires may not be prevalent in every state, the
responsibility to be aware and alert belongs to everyone; the causes of
wildfires can occur in every state, and as mobile as our lifestyles have
become, everyone needs to be prepared; and
WHEREAS, Before a wildfire, purchase a battery-powered radio to
receive information from local authorities during a power outage; find
an outdoor water source such as a pond, well, even a swimming pool, and
have a hose that can reach any area of your property; create a
fire-resistant zone free of leaves, debris or flammable materials for at
least 30 feet out from your home; regularly clean roofs and gutters;
make sure driveway entrances and your house number are clearly marked so
fire vehicles can get to your home; designate a room that can be closed
off from outside air; close all doors and windows; set up a portable air
cleaner to keep indoor pollution levels low when smoky conditions exist;
use fire-resistant materials to build, renovate or make repairs; and
post emergency phone numbers by every phone in your house and make sure
everyone has those numbers in their cell phones; and
WHEREAS, If you have to leave your neighborhood, be prepared to
evacuate at a moment's notice and obey all evacuation orders from
officials; also, shut all windows and doors and remove flammable window
shades, curtains and close metal shutters; move flammable furniture to
the center of the room, away from windows and doors; shut off gas at the
meter, turn off pilot lights, shut off the air conditioning; gather up
flammable items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside
(patio furniture, toys, trash cans); turn off propane tanks and move
propane BBQ appliances away from structures; do not leave sprinklers on
or water running, they can affect critical water pressure; back your
loaded car into the driveway and keep all doors and windows closed;
ensure your emergency supplies kit is in your vehicle; and locate your
pets and take them with you; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of both
the prevention and preparedness of wildfires, and more must be done to
increase activity at the local, State and National levels; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2023, as Wildfire
Safety Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be if further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.