Bill > SJR40

Introduced Session

This joint resolution designates the month of October of each year as "Fire Prevention Awareness Month" in New Jersey. Fires cause significant physical and economic damage and inflict emotional scars on people who are injured or lose loved ones. A fire department has to respond to a fire somewhere in the nation every 24 seconds. In 2017, fires killed 3,400 people and injured about 14,670 people in the United States. New Jersey reported 27,409 fires in 2015, and lost 77 civilians as a result of fires. Furthermore, five firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty in New Jersey in 2015. Raising awareness about fire prevention can prevent fires and save lives. 17.5 percent of building fires that resulted in fatalities, and 11.4 percent of building fires that caused injuries, were the result of careless actions such as leaving stoves unattended or not properly disposing of cigarettes. New Jersey law requires schools hold at least one fire drill per month to prepare for a potential fire. October is a peak month for college campus dormitory fires, and October 9th is the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which started National Fire Prevention Week. In order to enhance public safety and encourage fire prevention, it is important to raise public awareness about the dangers of fires and how to prevent them.

Committee Categories

Britnee Timberlake (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document