HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 FPW ProclamationPROCLAMATION
“Fire Prevention Week”
October 6-12, 2019
WHEREAS: Kittitas County is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living
in and visiting Kittitas County; and
WHEREAS: U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home fires in 2017, according to the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); and
WHEREAS: U.S. home fires resulted in 2,630 civilian deaths in 2017, representing the majority
(78 percent) of all U.S. fire deaths; and
WHEREAS: newer homes are built with lightweight materials that burn faster than older home
constructions; and
WHEREAS: many of today’s products and furnishings produce toxic gases and smoke when
burned, making it impossible to see and breathe within moments; and
WHEREAS: these conditions contribute to a much smaller window of time for people to escape
a home fire safely, with people having as little as one to two minutes to escape from the time the
smoke alarm sounds; and
WHEREAS: a home fire escape plan provides the skill set and know-how to quickly and safely
escape a home fire situation; and
WHEREAS: a home fire escape plan includes two exits from every room in the home; a path to
the outside from each exit; smoke alarms in all required locations; and a meeting place outside
where everyone in the home will meet upon exiting; and
WHEREAS: home fire escape plans should be developed by all members of the household; and
WHEREAS: practicing a home fire escape plan twice a year ensures that everyone in the
household knows what to do in a real fire situation;
WHEREAS: The Kittitas County Fire Marshal and first responders are dedicated to reducing the
occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education;
and
WHEREAS: Kittitas County residents are responsive to public education measures and are able
to take personal steps to increase their safety from fire, especially in their homes; and
WHEREAS: the 2019 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and
Practice Your Escape!” effectively serves to educate the public about the vital importance of
developing a home fire escape plan with all members of the household and practicing it twice a
year;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners
do hereby proclaim October 6-12, 2019, as Fire Prevention Week throughout this community
and urge all the people of Kittitas County to develop a home fire escape plan with all members of
the household and practice it twice a year, and to participate in the public safety activities and
efforts of Kittitas County fire and emergency services during Fire Prevention Week 2019.
Dated this 17th day of September, 2019.
THE KITTITAS COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
________________________________
Cory Wright, Chairman
_______________________________
Brett Wachsmith, Vice-Chairman
________________________________
Laura Osiadacz, Commissioner
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board