Authorizing Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings to evaluate fire safety requirements and procedures in the City for the protection of senior citizens and persons with impaired hearing, vision or mobility, including requirements for the installation of specialized fire alarms; and to ensure optimal educational outreach to these communities regarding fire safety.

WHEREAS,

Fire safety is a matter of great public concern, particularly, in our City where there are a large number of older buildings; and

WHEREAS, Fire and smoke alarms have been credited with saving thousands of lives each year; however, conventional sound alarms are inadequate to warn persons who have impaired hearing; and

WHEREAS, Persons having mobility, hearing or vision impairments face unique challenges in an emergency; and

WHEREAS,

Adults over 65 years of age represent one of the highest fire risk groups in the United States, in large part, because they are the fastest growing segment of the population; and

WHEREAS, Fire safety education is provided in the schools, especially in the early years, yet the vast majority of school programs are designed exclusively for the hearing community; and

WHEREAS,

Advancements in fire safety technology and public education in fire safety have contributed greatly to reducing the number of fire related deaths, and the same benefit can accrue to those with hearing, vision or mobility impairments, as well as senior citizens, by providing programs that address the unique fire safety needs of these communities; and

WHEREAS, The Office of Emergency Management is responsible for overseeing the development of the City’s plans for large-scale emergencies and disasters and could play a role, with the Fire Department and the School District, in developing warning and evacuation procedures, as well as education programs, for this population; and

WHEREAS,

Protecting lives and property is the responsibility of Philadelphia’s government and citizens; now, therefore,

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council’s Committee on Public Safety is hereby authorized to hold public hearings to evaluate fire safety requirements and procedures in the City for the protection of senior citizens and persons with impaired hearing, vision or mobility, including requirements for the installation of specialized fire alarms; and to ensure optimal educational outreach to these communities regarding fire safety.

End