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Fire Prevention Month
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WHEREAS, fire is a serious danger that can and does cause devastating personal injury and enormous property loss across the State of Alaska; and
WHEREAS, citizens have the opportunity to help protect their homes and families and prevent disaster in Alaska by practicing simple fire safety measures every day; and
WHEREAS, the vast majority – 88 percent – of civilian fire fatalities took place in residential structure fires, according to Alaska’s 2008 reported fires; and
WHEREAS, there were 920 fires reported in Alaska’s residences – our homes, apartments, hotels, and dormitories – in 2008, and misused heating equipment was the leading known cause of these fires; and
WHEREAS, we can safeguard ourselves and our families by installing smoke alarms, checking them monthly, and by practicing a fire escape plan on a regular basis; and
WHEREAS, we have the power to reduce fire injuries and casualties by practicing these simple safety procedures; and
WHEREAS, as part of our commitment to public safety, in recognition of the heroic efforts of our first responders, and in support of fire prevention efforts throughout Alaska, the month of October is set aside to build a distinct awareness of fire safety; and
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska’s Division of Fire and Life Safety and many fire and emergency services throughout Alaska will be providing education on fire-safe behaviors and fire prevention techniques throughout the month;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim October 2009 as:
Fire Prevention Month
in Alaska, and encourage all citizens to practice fire safety every day, to participate in fire prevention activities at home, work, and school, and to acknowledge this year’s fire safety theme of “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned.”
Dated: September 23, 2009