September 2019: Campus Fire Safety Month

 

WHEREAS, September is typically one of the worst times of the year for fatal campus-related housing fires, and Michigan joins the nation in promoting campus fire safety awareness as students return to school; and,

 

WHEREAS, it is recognized that fire safety education of our college students is crucial in reducing the occurrence of fires and the resulting in injuries, loss of life, and property damage, on- and off-campus; and,

 

WHEREAS, campus personnel, parents, and students work together with the fire service in Michigan to ensure that on-campus residence halls, off-campus housing, and Greek housing are adequately protected with automatic fire sprinkler systems, alarm systems or adequate smoke alarms to provide early life-saving warnings to get out and stay out; and,

 

WHEREAS, during this month, we continue to raise awareness of the fire risks on- and off- campus; encourage Michigan universities and colleges to offer fire safety and prevention programs; and urge young adults to know, practice, and take the preventive fire safety measures that could save their lives; and,

 

WHEREAS, it is vital to educate our future generation about the importance of fire safety so that these behaviors can help ensure their safety 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; and,

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September of 2019 as Campus Fire Safety Month in Michigan.