October 7-13 2018
Fire Prevention Week was started in 1922 by NFPA. President Calvin Coolidage made it a national observance in 1925. It is the longest running public health observance in the US. Fire Prevention Week happens every year during the week of October 9th. This is in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This fire started on October 8th, 1871. It was a devastating fire that “killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land” (NFPA).
Look, Listen, Learn
NFPA’s 2018 campaign for Fire Prevention Week is, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.” According to NFPA it is important to look for places fire could start, listen for the sound of the smoke alarm, and learn two ways out of every room.
Looking for places where a fire can start is extremely important. Whether you are in your home, office, school, or staying at a rental house or hotel, you should always be on the lookout for fire dangers. These dangers could include space heaters, fire places, electrical wiring, appliances, candles and more. If you notice any fire hazards make sure that you rectify them immediately.
Listening for a smoke alarm could be the difference between life and death. From the time that you hear a fire alarm you could only have a few minutes to be able to get out of the building safely. You should know what your fire alarm sounds like so there is no confusion when it is time to evacuate.
Learning two ways out of every room could get you out of a scary situation. It is important to make sure that your exits are clear of clutter. All doors and windows should be easily opened and walkways should be easy to walk through. Not only should your exits be clear, but you should also know your escape route. No matter if you are at your home, office, school, or staying at a rental house or hotel you should always have two escape plans.
Fire Prevention Importance
Everyone is at risk in fires, it doesn’t matter if you are a child, teenager, adult, or elderly. This is why it is so important to talk about fire prevention and safety. This week reminds all of us to be in charge of our own fire safety. Fire Prevention Week helps people of all ages understand that they need to be constantly looking, listening, and learning when it comes to fire.
NFPA does a great job year round at sharing helpful tips and statistics about fire and life safety. But, they use Fire Prevention Week especially “to bring awareness to the risk of death in case of a fire and provide educational resources to people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic status in order to keep everyone safe” (NFPA).
Check out the NFPA website for fire safety worksheets and facts.
-The IFS Team
