Fire Prevention Week October 7-13, 2012

The Great Chicago Fire of October 8 and 9, 1871 destroyed more than 17,400 structures and claimed at least 250 lives.  In addition to the obvious effects on the city of Chicago, the fire also changed the way people saw fire safety. 

Forty years later, the Fire Marshals Association of North America suggested observing the anniversary of the Chicago Fire as a reminder to the pubic of the importance of fire prevention.  Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation in 1920, and Calvin Coolidge expanded that to Fire Prevention Week in 1925.  National Fire Prevention Week is observed during the week (Sunday to Saturday) during which October 9 falls.

The theme of National Fire Prevention Week this year is “Have 2 Ways Out.”  The emphasis is on having an escape plan that includes at least two means of escape from each room, making sure everyone in the home knows the plan, and practicing the plan at least twice a year. 

U.S. Fire Administration on Fire Escape Plans:

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/campaigns/smokealarms/escapeplans/index.shtm

National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Prevention Week Site:

http://www.fpw.org

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Fire Prevention Division site has information on fire safety for homes and businesses:

http://www.ksfm.ks.gov/prevention/

Article contact: Peter Haxton