ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION

No. 11

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

217th LEGISLATURE

 

PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2016 SESSION

 

 

Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman  CLEOPATRA G. TUCKER

District 28 (Essex)

Assemblyman  CRAIG J. COUGHLIN

District 19 (Middlesex)

Assemblyman  BENJIE E. WIMBERLY

District 35 (Bergen and Passaic)

 

Co-Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman Muoio

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Designates month of October of each year as "Fire Safety Education Month."

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.

  

A Joint Resolution designating the month of October of each year as "Fire Safety Education Month."

 

Whereas, In 2013, there were 1,240,000 fires causing significant physical and economic damage, and inflicting long-lasting emotional scars; and

Whereas, According to the National Fire Protection Association, 487,500 structure fires in 2013 caused 2,855 civilian fire deaths and 14,075 civilian fire injuries; and

Whereas, According to the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety in the Department of Community Affairs, in 2013, 23,403 fires were reported in the State of New Jersey, four firefighters died in the line of duty, 453 firefighters were injured in fires, and 60 civilians lost their lives; and

Whereas, Although many fires and fire-related deaths are preventable, a fire occurs an average of every 25 seconds and claims an average of nine lives every day; and

Whereas, In commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres in just two days, National Fire Prevention Week has been observed every year since 1922 to raise public awareness of the perils of fires and the need for fire prevention education; and

Whereas, Constant vigilance and a well-prepared public, equipped with fire safety and prevention education, can save lives; now, therefore,

 

     Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

     1.    The month of October of each year is designated as "Fire Safety Education Month" to raise public awareness of the dangers and the preventable nature of fires, highlight the importance of fire prevention, and promote fire safety education.

 

     2.    The Governor is respectfully requested to issue a proclamation recognizing October as "Fire Safety Education Month" and calling upon public officials and the citizens of New Jersey to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.

 

     3.    This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

 

     This joint resolution designates October of each year as "Fire Safety Education Month" to raise public awareness of the dangers and the preventable nature of fires and promote fire safety education. 

     Fires cause significant physical and economic damage and inflict emotional scars.  Promoting fire safety education and prevention can help people prevent fires and save lives.