REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

BOARD MEETING DATE:  October  2, 2018
CATEGORY:  BOARD MATTERS-3.

SUBJECT:

Adopt a proclamation which designates October 7-13, 2018 as “Fire Prevention Week” in Shasta County.

Supervisorial District No. :  All

DEPARTMENT CONTACT:  Cheryl Buliavac, Fire Prevention Specialist, (530) 225-2424

STAFF REPORT APPROVED BY:  Mike Hebrard, Fire Warden

RECOMMENDATION

Adopt a proclamation which designates October 7-13, 2018, as "Fire Prevention Week" in Shasta County.

SUMMARY

This year the National Fire Prevention Week theme is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware – fire can happen anywhere.” This campaign works to educate about three basic but essential steps to take to reduce the likelihood of having a fire, and how to escape safely in the event of one. Additionally, the campaign urges people to protect their homes and families with life-saving technology and planning. Educating the residents of Shasta County about how to be aware of the fire hazards in and around where they live, as well as the benefits of working smoke alarms and escape plans, will help to mitigate and prevent fires, protecting residents and their families.

DISCUSSION

In 2017, there were an estimated 3,400 civilian deaths caused by fire nationally. Nearly all of these deaths could have been prevented by taking a few simple precautions like having working smoke alarms and a home fire escape plan, keeping things that can burn away from the stove, and always turning off space heaters before going to bed. Between 2014 and 2017 there were two residential fire civilian fatality in the Shasta County Fire response area. Fire is a dangerous opponent, but by anticipating the hazards, residents of Shasta County are much less likely to be one of the nearly 12,000 people injured in home fires each year.

The focus of Fire Prevention Week for 2018 is urge all the people of Shasta County to be aware of their surroundings, look for available ways out in the event of a fire or other emergency, and respond when the smoke alarm sounds by exiting the building immediately. In a fire or other emergency, seconds can mean the difference between escaping safely or a tragic outcome.

While preventing home fires in Shasta County is always the number one priority of the Shasta County Fire Department, it is not always possible. In the last four years (2014-2017) there have been 134 structure fires resulting in over $11 million dollars damage to structures within the County Fire Department jurisdiction. The residents of Shasta County can provide the best protection to keep their homes and families safe in the event of a fire. This can be achieved by developing an escape plan which is practiced regularly and equipping homes with life-saving technologies like smoke alarms and home fire sprinklers.

Shasta County Fire Prevention Officers will be visiting 15 area schools between October 7th and October 13th, teaching nearly 3,000 students about the importance of fire prevention. Declaring October 7th through the 13th, 2018 as Fire Prevention Week will provide residents of Shasta County with education and increased awareness of their responsibility to assure that their homes and families are protected from fire, and how to respond in the event of a fire or other emergency.

ALTERNATIVES

The Board may elect not to sign the proclamation declaring October 7-13, 2018 as “Fire Prevention Week.” The Board may direct the department to choose a different week as “Fire Prevention Week”.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

The County Administrative Office has reviewed this proclamation.

FINANCING

There is no additional General Fund impact associated with this recommendation. The Shasta County Fire Department activities associated with “Fire Prevention Week” have been included in the Department’s fiscal year 2018/2019 Approved Budget.