# National Firefighter Safety Week Resolution

This resolution designates the week of June 18-24, 2023, as "National Firefighter Safety Week" across the United States. It's essentially a formal declaration of support for raising public awareness about a specific safety issue that affects firefighters and communities.

The core focus is on educating people about the dangers of improperly disposing of lithium-ion batteries. These are the rechargeable batteries found in everyday items like smartphones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, and scooters. When people throw these batteries in regular trash or recycling bins instead of taking them to proper disposal facilities, they create serious fire hazards. Lithium-ion batteries can spontaneously catch fire or explode when damaged, compressed, or exposed to heat—which commonly happens in garbage trucks and landfills where they get crushed and compacted.

For most people, this resolution means you should be aware of how to properly dispose of lithium-ion batteries. Instead of tossing old electronics or batteries in the trash, you should take them to designated e-waste recycling centers, electronics retailers that accept them, or hazardous waste collection events in your community. Firefighters benefit directly because improper battery disposal causes fires in waste facilities and garbage trucks that put their lives at risk. The resolution supports efforts to educate the public about this problem so fewer dangerous fires occur. While this is technically just a symbolic declaration rather than a law that changes anything, it highlights an important safety issue that affects both emergency responders and the communities they serve.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of June 18 through June 24, 2023, as "National Firefighter Safety Week" in the United States and supporting the goals and ideals of National Firefighter Safety Week to raise awareness of the fire risks associated with improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries.

Carper, Thomas R.

<p>This resolution supports the designation of National Firefighter Safety Week and supports community outreach programs that educate the public about the potential hazards and proper response to lithium-ion battery incidents.</p>