TRENTON – Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Linda Greenstein today visited Barcla Brook Elementary School in Monroe Township, Middlesex County, to discuss the importance of fire prevention with students as part of National Fire Prevention Week. The Senators were joined by members of Monroe Fire Department District 3, who were on site to educate students about fire safety and to explain the functions of firefighting equipment. National Fire Prevention Week is from Oct. 5-11.
“Each year, there are thousands of fires in New Jersey that result in hundreds of injuries to residents and firefighters and, tragically, in lives lost,” said Senate President Sweeney. “Many fires are preventable so teaching children the importance of fire safety and prevention will go a long way to help keep our residents and emergency personnel safe.”
“Raising awareness in our communities of potential fire risks is a great way to reduce the number of fires in our state, particularly in homes and other residential structures, which is where they most commonly occur,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Middlesex Mercer). “Providing educational programs in our schools for young people about fire safety is vital to that process.”
In 2012, 24,720 fires were reported in New Jersey, according to statistics from the Department of Community Affairs Division of Fire Safety. Eighty-five civilians lost their lives as a result of fire, and one firefighter died in the line of duty that year. In addition, 398 firefighter injuries were reported and 230 civilians were reported injured as a result of a fire.
Photo Caption: Senate President Steve Sweeney, Senator Linda Greenstein, Monroe Township Council President Gerald W. Tamburro, and members of the Monroe Township Fire Department District 3, recognize Barclay Brook School third-grader Neel Chandwani, the 2014 Fire Safety Poster Contest Division 1 State Winner.