HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-17-2023 Proclamation - 2023 Fire Prevention Month ProclamationProclamation
WHEREAS, the City of Ocoee is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and
visiting our state; and
WHEREAS, Fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and homes are the locations
here people are at greatest risk from fire; and
WHEREAS, Home fires killed more than 2,800 people in the United States in 2021, according to the
National Fire Protection Association*(NFPA*), and fire departments in the United States responded to
338,000 home fires; and
WHEREAS, Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States and fire departments responded
to more than 166,400 annually between 2016 and 2020; and
WHEREAS, Two of every five home fires start in the kitchen with 31% of these fires resulting from
unattended cooking; and
WHEREAS, More than half of reported non-fatal home cooking fire injuries occurred when the victim tried
to fight the fire themselves; and
WHEREAS, Children under five face a higher risk of non-fire burns associated with cooking than being
burned in a cooking fire; and
WHEREAS, Residents who have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan are more prepared and
will therefore be more likely to survive a fire; and
WHEREAS, Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported homes fires almost in half; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ocoee’s first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires
and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ocoee’s 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, as October is fire prevention month, we find it appropriate to recognize all that Ocoee Fire
Department does to protect our community both now and throughout its illustrious history in the City of
Ocoee; and
WHEREAS, the 2023 Fire Prevention Month theme, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire
prevention” effectively serves to remind us to stay alert and use caution when cooking to reduce the risk
of kitchen fires.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rusty Johnson, Mayor of the City of Ocoee, do hereby proclaim October 2023 as
Fire Prevention Month
throughout this city and I urge all the people of the City of Ocoee to check their kitchens for fire hazards
and use safe cooking practices during Fire Prevention Month 2023, and join me in thanking our fire
fighters, staff, past and present, for their service and dedication to our community. Their tremendous
skill, bravery and compassion in difficult circumstances does not go unnoticed, and we appreciate all they
do to keep our community safe.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and
affixed the Seal of the City of Ocoee, Florida, this 17th day
of October, 2023.
Rusty Johnson
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