Preventing Fires - National Fire Prevention Week

Preventing Fires - National Fire Prevention Week
September 30, 2005

October 9-15 is the nation's 80th annual Fire Prevention Week. The President of the United States designates this specific week by signing a proclamation which encourages national fire prevention education.

The origin of National Fire Prevention Week can be traced back to the Great Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871. The Great Chicago Fire killed approximately 300 people, destroyed over 17,000 structures, and left 100,000 people homeless. Although legend has it that the fire began when Mrs. O'Leary's cow kicked over a lantern, the official cause remains subject to speculation. Afterward the city of Chicago swiftly rebuilt and renewed its spirit. The city began to remember those who lost their lives in the fire and celebrate the city's successful rebuilding every year on the anniversary of the fire. On the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire a decision was made to mark the date with a larger commemoration. The Fire Marshals Association of North America (FMANA) took the opportunity to begin providing the nation with information to prevent future fires. In 1925 President Calvin Coolidge established the first official National Fire Prevention Week. In the 80 years since the first National Fire Prevention Week a great deal has been accomplished to reduce fires and make our American lives safer.

As we continue to promote educating citizens about fire prevention, this is a great time to review some general fire safety measures that will protect your home. Below is a short list of tips that can help you and your family prevent fires:

- Turn off lights, and electrical appliances when they are not in use
- Use extension cords safely and do not store under rugs or doorways
- Allow air space around the TV to prevent overheating
- Store gasoline and other flammable liquids in safety cans outside of the house and keep away from both heat and children
- Clear rubbish from out of the attic, basement, closets, garage and yard, and don't store things near the furnace or heater
- Heating equipment must be checked and cleaned each year
- Keep portable space heaters away from people, curtains, and furniture
- Do not overload electrical outlets

National Fire Prevention Week is a good occasion to prepare and practice a fire escape plan at home with your entire family. Use the upcoming return to standard time as an opportunity to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors. This is also a good opportunity to check and make sure that you have a fire extinguisher that is adequately charged.

Finally, National Fire Prevention week is also an appropriate occasion to honor the bravery and sacrifice of our nation's firefighters. It is important to remember the firefighters that work in our communities. If you would like more information regarding Fire Prevention Week, please visit www.firepreventionweek.org.

http://www.house.gov/miketurner/news/columns/9.30.05.shtml