Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam

WHEREAS, since 2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 4,100 structure fires in dormitories, fraternity houses, sorority houses, and other related properties; and

WHEREAS, since January 2000, at least 175 people, including students, parents, and children have died in college-related fires, of which seven were in the Commonwealth of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, September and October are peak months for fires in dormitory-type properties, and they are more common during the evening hours between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.; and

WHEREAS, 87 percent of fatal campus fires occurred in off-campus occupancies that are often not adequately protected with automatic fire sprinkler systems and automatic fire alarm systems or adequate smoke alarms; and

WHEREAS, smoking was the leading cause of fatal fires in campus housing, followed by intentional actions, electrical, and cooking; and

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

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

WHEREAS, an automatic fire sprinkler system is a highly effective method of controlling or extinguishing a fire in its early stages and protect the lives of the building's occupants; and

WHEREAS, it is crucial that Virginia’s students understand the potential fire hazards within their places of residence and the importance of exercising proper safety measures; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s students should routinely receive effective fire safety education from college administrators and fire safety professionals; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s colleges and universities are encouraged to promote campus fire safety education by providing safe housing and learning environments for its students and faculty; and

WHEREAS, Campus Fire Safety Month is an opportunity to recognize the importance of fire education in preventing fire casualties;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ralph S. Northam, do hereby recognize September 2019 as CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.