Senate Resolution No. 1555

BY: Senator PERSAUD

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2024, as Wildfire Safety Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
environmental disasters that affect the lives of citizens of New York
State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2024, as Wildfire
Safety Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Wildfire Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, National Wildfire Awareness Month dedicates the entire
month of May to increasing prevention and preparedness for wildfires
throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, According to the National Interagency Fire Center, humans
cause an average of 68% of fires per year in the United States; of those
human-started fires, 2.8 million acres burn each year; in 2018,
8,767,492 acres burned due to human-started fires and lightning strikes;
and

WHEREAS, There are steps to take to prevent wildfires; from using
fire resisting building materials to following the safety protocols for
handling fire when camping, heating your home or storing fuel, all New
Yorkers can take part in reducing wildfires; and

WHEREAS, While wildfires may not be prevalent in every state, the
responsibility to be aware and alert belongs to everyone; the causes of
wildfires can occur in every state, and as mobile as our lifestyles have
become, everyone needs to be prepared; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of both
the prevention and preparedness of wildfires, and more must be done to
increase activity at the local, State and National levels; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2024, as Wildfire
Safety Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be if further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.