Proclamation: Fire Prevention Week October 8-14, 2023

PROCLAMATION

Fire Prevention Week October 8-14 2023

WHEREAS, Mead is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting our community; and

WHEREAS, fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and homes are the locations where 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, residents that are responsive to public education measures are better able to take personal steps to increase their safety from fire, especially in their homes; and

WHEREAS, Mead first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme, "Cooking safely starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention," effectively serves to remind Mead residents to stay alert and use caution when cooking to reduce the risk of kitchen fires.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Colleen Whitlow, Mayor of the Town of Mead do hereby proclaim October 8-14, 2023, as Fire Prevention Week, and I urge all the people of Mead to check their kitchens for fire hazards and use safe cooking practices during Fire Prevention Week 2023.