January 20 26 2025 as Community Risk Reduction Week

WHEREAS, on average, a fire department responded to a fire somewhere in the US every 23 seconds in 2024. A home structure fire was reported every 95 seconds, while a home fire death occurred every three hours, and a home fire injury occurred every 52 minutes.; and,

WHEREAS, the number of medical calls for service is growing, surpassing 80% of the total call volume in some jurisdictions; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan fire departments responded to an estimated 32,017 fires statewide that caused 88 civilian fire deaths in 84 fires, 424 reported civilian fire injuries, and an estimated $641,696,798 in property damages between December 1, 2023, and December 20, 2024; and,

WHEREAS, Community Risk Reduction (CRR) week is an initiative that aims to raise awareness in the fire service about the importance of “Getting ahead of the call” and how fire departments—regardless of their type or location—can use proven CRR strategies to enhance safety in their communities; and,

WHEREAS, the value of community support from local, state, and national partners to address community risks is recognized to meet the demands on paid, combination, and volunteer members of the fire service; and,

WHEREAS, the goal of MI Prevention and other CRR efforts value using a holistic approach to fire prevention, encouraging communities to use data-driven strategies to identify and reduce risks. By analyzing data and strategically addressing potential risks, communities can improve both their fire prevention efforts and emergency response capabilities; and,

WHEREAS, in 2024, 19 Michigan cities participated in a Community Risk Assessment, a strategy planning process with a comprehensive evaluation that identifies, prioritizes, and defines risks pertaining to the overall community and gives results in a full understanding of the community's unique risks, capabilities, and characteristics; and,

WHEREAS, proactive prevention addresses risks in the community early, fire departments and emergency services can reduce the number of emergency calls and improve the overall safety of residents; and,

WHEREAS, Monday, January 20, 2025, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day - a nationally recognized day of service and an opportunity for communities to reduce the risk in their community through a series of proactive safety programs and outreaches including installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors; and,

WHEREAS, CRR week is a grassroots effort, encouraging local fire departments, public safety officials, and community leaders to work together. By building partnerships, they can amplify efforts to reduce community risks and raise awareness about the importance of fire safety and risk reduction; and,

WHEREAS, by focusing on preventing rather than just responding to emergencies, "Getting Ahead of the Call" sets the stage for a safer 2025 in Michigan, as communities and fire departments work together to reduce risks and improve safety for all residents;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim January 20-26, 2025 as Community Risk Reduction Week in Michigan.