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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 281 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>

118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 281

 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.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 22, 2023

   Mr. Carper (for himself and Mr. Boozman) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
                           and Transportation

_______________________________________________________________________

                               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.

Whereas firefighters play a critical role in safeguarding lives and property;
Whereas the safety and well-being of firefighters are of the utmost importance 
        and it is crucial to equip them with the necessary knowledge and 
        resources to perform their duties effectively;
Whereas the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International 
        Association of Fire Fighters, the Fire Department Safety Officers 
        Association, the National Volunteer Fire Council, and the National Fire 
        Protection Association are the leading organizations committed to 
        enhancing firefighter safety and promoting best practices;
Whereas lithium-ion batteries have become increasingly prevalent in modern 
        society and are utilized in a wide range of consumer products, posing 
        unique risks when involved in incidents and fires;
Whereas the improper recycling or disposal of lithium-ion batteries causes 
        fires, endangering the firefighters called upon to quell these blazes;
Whereas programs, such as the assistance to firefighters grant program under 
        section 33(c) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 
        U.S.C. 2229(c)) and the staffing for adequate fire and emergency 
        response grant program under section 34 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 2229a), 
        support initiatives aimed at enhancing firefighter safety, including 
        training programs, research, and the development of specialized 
        equipment and tools; and
Whereas, during National Firefighter Safety Week, from June 18 through June 24, 
        2023, leading firefighter safety organizations are conducting a Safety 
        Stand Down to raise awareness among firefighters about the potential 
        hazards associated with lithium-ion battery incidents and to provide 
        comprehensive training on response protocols and safety measures: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports the designation of National Firefighter Safety 
        Week;
            (2) expresses strong support for--
                    (A) the efforts of firefighter safety organizations 
                to promote firefighter safety relating to lithium-ion 
                battery incidents;
                    (B) training programs to educate firefighters about 
                the risks and hazards associated with lithium-ion 
                battery incidents; and
                    (C) participation of fire departments in the United 
                States in National Firefighter Safety Week;
            (3) encourages--
                    (A) efforts to develop standards and best practices 
                that emphasize firefighter safety in dealing with 
                lithium-ion battery incidents; and
                    (B) public awareness regarding the safe use, safe 
                storage, and proper disposal or recycling of lithium-
                ion batteries;
            (4) supports community outreach programs that educate the 
        public about the potential hazards and proper response to 
        lithium-ion battery incidents; and
            (5) supports the goals of National Firefighter Safety Week.
                                 <all>
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