Proclamation
WHEREAS, the City of Merced is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting our city; 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 caused 2,580 civilian deaths in the United States in 2020, according to the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), and fire departments in the United States responded to 356,500 home fires; and WHEREAS, smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger in the event of fire in which you may have as little as 2 minutes to escape safely; and WHEREAS, working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half; and WHEREAS, Merced residents should be sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the smoke alarms and knows how to respond; and
WHEREAS, Merced 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, Merced residents will make sure their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms meet the needs of all their family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Merced first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education; and WHEREAS, Merced 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, the 2022 Fire Prevention Month theme, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.TM,” effectively serves to remind Merced it is important to have a home fire escape plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Matthew serratto, Mayor of Merced, do hereby proclaim October, 2022, as Fire Prevention Month throughout this city, and I urge all the people of the City of Merced to “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” for Fire Prevention Month 2022 and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of the City of Merced’s fire and emergency services.
Signed this 17th day of October 2022.
____________________________________
Matthew Serratto, Mayor of Merced