The city of Torrance has officially proclaimed October 6 to 12, 2024, as Fire Prevention Week, emphasizing the importance of fire safety and the role of smoke alarms in protecting residents. Mayor George Chen highlighted the alarming statistics of house fires in the United States, which resulted in 2,720 civilian deaths in 2024 alone, with fire departments responding to over 374,000 incidents.

During the proclamation, Mayor Chen urged the community to be proactive in fire prevention by installing and maintaining smoke detectors, which significantly enhance safety. He encouraged residents to be vigilant and prepared, particularly in the event of a fire, by responding promptly to smoke alarms.

Torrance Fire Prevention Specialist Daniel Singleton addressed the council, reiterating the theme of this year's Fire Prevention Week, which focuses on ensuring smoke alarms are in working condition. He stressed the necessity of testing alarms monthly and replacing batteries as needed, as well as the importance of carbon monoxide alarms.

In addition to fire safety discussions, the meeting recognized the civic engagement of local students from South High School. Over the past four years, students have collaborated with community service staff to earn the California State Seal of Civic Engagement. Their recent projects included researching community input for playground equipment replacement at Alta Loma Park, which received support from the Parks and Recreation Commission.

The meeting concluded with a celebration of the students' contributions, highlighting the importance of youth involvement in community initiatives. The council expressed gratitude for their efforts and encouraged continued civic engagement among Torrance residents.