During a recent Fort Lauderdale city commission meeting, Mayor Dean Trentales proclaimed the week of October 6 through 12, 2024, as Fire Prevention Week, emphasizing the critical role of smoke alarms in saving lives. The proclamation highlighted alarming statistics from the National Fire Prevention Association, noting that in 2022, over 2,700 individuals lost their lives to home fires in the United States, with three out of five fire deaths occurring in homes lacking functional smoke alarms.

Fire Marshal Jeff Lucas urged residents to install smoke alarms in every bedroom and on each level of their homes, and to test these alarms monthly. He stressed that working smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly 50%. The theme for the upcoming Fire Prevention Week, \"Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You,\" serves as a reminder of the importance of these life-saving devices.

In a heartfelt segment of the meeting, the city recognized George Huishka, a city employee who saved a life during an emergency. Huishka, who works in neighbor support, used his training to administer Narcan to an individual experiencing an opioid overdose. Chief Steve Golan praised Huishka's quick actions, which exemplified the importance of community training in emergency situations. Huishka expressed gratitude for the training he received and encouraged others to keep Narcan accessible in their vehicles.

The meeting also included discussions on various consent agenda items, with commissioners addressing procedural questions regarding revisions to certain items. Overall, the meeting underscored Fort Lauderdale's commitment to public safety and community support initiatives.