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CNMI observes Fire Prevention Week on Oct. 3-9
Oct. 3 was National Fallen Firefighters Day
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios share a photo with Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting personnel, and members of the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter outside the Office of the Governor Thursday. Shortly before the photo was taken, Torres and Palacios proclaimed Oct. 3 to Oct. 9 as CNMI Fire Prevention Week and Oct. 3 as National Fallen Firefighters Day during a proclamation signing at the Office of the Governor conference room. (JOSHUA SANTOS)
Oct. 3 to Oct. 9 is CNMI Fire Prevention Week, and Oct. 3 was National Fallen Firefighters Day. Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios made the week and day official during a proclamation signing Thursday at the Office of the Governor conference room.
Joining Torres and Palacios were Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting personnel, and members of the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter.
During the proclamation, it was learned that more than 2,770 people were killed in home fires in the U.S. in 2019. It was also learned that smoke alarms detect smoke much quicker than a person can, and that in the event of a home fire breaking out, an individual has about two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm goes off to the fire growing stronger. As such, Thursday’s proclamation included a provision that urged homeowners to understand the sounds of a smoke alarm, and how to properly respond.
The proclamation also marked Oct. 3 as National Fallen Firefighters Day. Torres calls upon all citizens to recognize the service and dedication of fire and emergency services personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty by lowering both the CNMI and U.S. flags to half-staff last Sunday, Oct. 3. Torres also asked the community to take part in Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters on Oct. 3, by tolling a bell and pausing afterward for a moment of silence.
In a social media post about the proclamation signing, the Office of the Governor said that Torres and Palacios are grateful for the hard work and service of the CNMI’s firefighters and first responders for their dedication to ensuring the safety and security of the CNMI, and, as members of the COVID-19 Task Force, for keeping the CNMI safe and healthy.
