Washington, D.C. - Representative David Price (D-Chapel Hill) today hailed the passage of H.Res. 167, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Campus Fire Safety Month. The resolution was agreed to by a unanimous voice vote. Rep. Price co-sponsored the bipartisan resolution.

"Those who have experienced the tragedy of a fatal campus fire, as the UNC Chapel Hill campus did in 1996, know how devastating it can be," Rep. Price said. "This resolution will give support to students around the country advocating for fire safety programs. Universities and students understand that the danger posed by fire in a college setting can be mitigated with preparation and awareness."

Each year, students from across the nation visit Washington, D.C. to raise awareness and advocate for legislation addressing fire safety issues. A group of UNC students visited Rep. Price in September to lobby for the passage of H.R. 1194, the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2009. The bill would provide a tax incentive to business owners for retrofitting existing buildings with life-saving sprinkler systems. Rep. Price is a cosponsor of this bill.

Rep. Price is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 2136, the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act, which would establish a demonstration grant program to distribute funds covering up to half of the cost of installing fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression technologies in student housing.

Recognizing September as Campus Fire Safety Month will help to raise the awareness of students, parents, and administrators about the importance of campus fire safety and the steps they can take to prevent loss of life due to fires.

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