From left, Deputy Fire Chief Wendy Servey, Councilor Keith Lepsch and Fire Chief Troy Hughes with a proclamation declaring Oct. 9-15 Fire Prevention Week, issued at Tuesday’s council meeting. Chief Hughes said during Fire Prevention Week LAFD personnel will visit Los Alamos Public Schools, attend Customer Service Day Oct. 5 at the Municipal Building and host open houses Oct. 12 at the White Rock Fire Station and Oct. 14 at the station across from the golf course and particpate in Trick or Treat MainStreet Oct. 28. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

Staff Report

Los Alamos County Council proclaimed Oct. 9-15 Fire Prevention Week during its regular meeting Tuesday.

Councilor Keith Lepsch read the proclamation, which states:

WHEREAS, the County of Los Alamos is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting our county; 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 two minutes to escape safely; and

WHEREAS, working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half; and

WHEREAS, Los Alamos County residents should be sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the smoke alarms and knows how to respond; and

WHEREAS, Los Alamos County 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, Los Alamos County 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, Los Alamos County first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education; and

WHEREAS, Los Alamos County 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 Week theme, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.TM,” effectively serves to remind Los Alamos County it is important to have a home fire escape plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby proclaim October 9-15, 2022, as “FIRE PREVENTION WEEK” throughout this community, and I urge all the people of Los Alamos County to plan and practice a home fire escape for Fire Prevention Week 2022 and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of Los Alamos County Fire Department.