Fire Prevention Week Proclamation

RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 6^th–12^th, 2013 AS FIRE PREVENTION WEEK IN THE FIRE DISTRICT OF INDIAN RIVER

WHEREAS, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company is committed to ensuring the public awareness of fire safety precautions for all those living in and visiting the communities of Oak Orchard – Long Neck and surrounding vicinities.

WHEREAS, home fires killed more than 2,500 people in the United States in 2011, according to the latest research from the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Fire departments in the United States responded to more than 370,000 home fires.

WHEREAS, cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States. Fire departments responded to more than 156,000 cooking fires annually between 2007 and 2011.

WHEREAS, two of every home fires start in the kitchen. Unattended equipment was a factor in one-third of the reported cooking fires as injuries occurred in 57% of these fires when victims tried to fight the fire themselves.

WHEREAS, children under five face a higher risk of non fire burns associated with cooking than being burned in a cooking fire.

WHEREAS, residents should stay in the kitchen when frying food on the stovetop, keep a three-foot-kid-free zone around cooking areas and keep anything that can catch fire away from stovetops.

WHEREAS, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company firefighters are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education.

WHEREAS, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company residents are responsive to public education measures and are able to take personal steps to increase their safety from fire, especially in their homes.

WHEREAS, the 2013 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Prevent Kitchen Fires!” effectively serves to remind us to use caution when cooking to reduce the risk of kitchen fires.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company proclaims October 6-12, 2013, as Fire Prevention Week throughout the fire district, and we urge everyone to check their kitchens for cooking hazards and using safe cooking practices during Fire Prevention Week 2013, and to support the many public safety activities and efforts.

PROCLAIMED this 5^th day of October, 2013.

Additional information and statistical data:

→ U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center – Cooking Fires

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/reports/cooking.shtm

New: Cooking Fires in Residential Buildings (2008-2010)

Findings from this report:

• On average, an estimated 164,500 cooking fires in residential buildings occur each year in the United States.
• Cooking was, by far, the leading cause of all residential building fires and injuries.
• Residential building cooking fires occurred mainly in the evening hours from 4 to 9 p.m., peaking from 5 to 8 p.m., accounting for 26 percent of the fires.
• Residential building cooking fires peaked in November at 10 percent and declined to the lowest point during the summer months from June to August.
• Confined fires, those fires involving the contents of a cooking vessel without fire extension beyond the vessel, accounted for 94 percent of residential building cooking fires.
• Oil, fat and grease (51 percent) were the leading types of material ignited in nonconfined cooking fires in residential buildings.

→  U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center - Kitchen Fires

 http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/statistics/v4i4.pdf