City of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, California
Proclamation
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting the City of Santa Maria; and
WHEREAS, fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and the greatest risk from fire is in the home; 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, two of every five home fires start in the kitchen with 31% of these fires resulting from unattended cooking; and
WHEREAS, more than half of reported non -fatal home cooking fire injuries occurred when the victims tried to fight the fire themselves; and
WHEREAS, the Santa Maria Fire Department is dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and education; and
WHEREAS, the 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.” effectively serves to remind us to stay alert and use caution when cooking to reduce the risk of kitchen fires.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ALICE M. PATINO, Mayor of the City of Santa Maria hereby recognize October 8 through October 14, 2023, as:
“FIRE PREVENTION WEEK”
in the City of Santa Maria , and encourage all residents to check their kitchens for fire hazards and use safe cooking practices; plan and practice a home fire escape plan; and ensure all smoke alarms are working.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Seal of the City of Santa Maria to be affixed hereto this 3rd day of October 2023.
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Alice M. Patino, Mayor