Campus Fire Safety Month

WHEREAS, recent student-related housing fires at schools across the United States have tragically cut short the lives of some of the youth of our nation; and

WHEREAS, since January 2000, at least 143 people, including students, parents and children have died in campus-related fires; and

WHEREAS, over 85 percent of these deaths have occurred in off-campus occupancies; and

WHEREAS, many of the fatal fires have occurred in buildings where the fire safety systems have been compromised or disabled by occupants; and

WHEREAS, automatic fire alarm systems provide the necessary early warning of a fire to both occupants and the fire department, so that appropriate action can be taken; and

WHEREAS, automatic fire sprinkler systems are a highly effective method of controlling or extinguishing a fire in its early stages, protecting the lives of the building’s occupants; and

WHEREAS, fire safety education is an effective method of reducing the occurrence of fires, the loss of life and property damage; though students are not routinely receiving effective fire safety education throughout their college career; and

WHEREAS, it is vital to educate the future generation of our Nation about the importance of fire safety behavior, so that their safety may be ensured during their college years and beyond; and

WHEREAS, by developing a generation of fire-safe adults, future loss of life from fires can be significantly reduced:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 2011, as

Campus Fire Safety Month

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 31st day of August 2011.

                       

Governor Robert Bentley