COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Bradley J. Dandridge, Fire Chief
DATE: October 8, 2026
SUBJECT: Proclamation Proclaiming October 4 through 10, 2026, as “Fire Prevention Week”
Description:
The City Council will present a Proclamation proclaiming the week of October 4 through 10, 2026, as “Fire Prevention Week” in the City of Santa Maria.
BACKGROUND:
National “Fire Prevention Week” commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed more than 17,400 buildings.
DISCUSSION:
The theme for the Fire Prevention Week 2026 campaign is, “Charge Into Fire Safety™.
Safe Charging Is a Superpower”. The campaign works to educate residents about the importance of fire safety in the home. It is focused on everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer.
Fire Department staff wishes to support this message by educating City residents about potential risks of lithium-ion batteries, eliminating fire hazards, having working smoke alarms, and planning and practicing a home escape plan. Fire Prevention staff will be sharing this message at Cops N Cars on Saturday, October 10th, where they will be joined by staff from the Utilities Department and Red Cross.
ATTACHMENT: Proclamation – 2026 Fire Prevention Week