There is no doubt that Fire Prevention is important all year long, however this week marks the official Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week is held the first week of October to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The fire lasted from October 8th until October 9th destroying more than 17,400 structures and burning more than 2,000 acres, leaving 100,000 homeless. Since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9th falls. This year’s theme is “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives, Test Yours Every Month!” You can find out more information and test your knowledge on the National Fire Protection Agency website: www.nfpa.org.
So, what’s all of this mean and how can you get involved? It was shocking to find that 90% of US adults don’t test smoke alarms monthly. Roughly 2 out of 3 fire related deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or the alarms are not working. Having working smoke alarms in your home saves valuable time in ensuring you and your family can get out of the house in case of a fire.
Today is a good day to #TestItTuesday!! Test your smoke alarms monthly on the first Tuesday of the month, or schedule your own date and time. Maybe Sunday evenings after family dinner, or Saturdays if you are doing other house related chores. Just like the chores, the smoke alarm must be tended to as well.
Also, don’t hesitate to get your kids involved, there is a fun App available from Sparky the Fire Dog and tons of activities on the website: http://sparkyschoolhouse.org/
We spend much time on social media outlets, why not take a moment to check in with your local fire department to see what events they are holding this week and weekend, have some fun with it and maybe even learn something new. Take the family!
Here are a few events that caught our eye:
In New York City @CVS_Extra will donate 100 smoke alarms at 5 of its stores! Also be sure to check out FDNY Appreciation Weekend at USS Intrepid on Saturday October 11th & Sunday October 12th— More info.
On Saturday, October 18, The Home Depot’s U.S. stores will host a workshop for adults to learn how to install and maintain smoke alarms. —Register here http://workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/home
Nationwide – The NFPA and Sparky the Fire Dog team up with Dominos Pizza, delivering pizza and fire safety messages to homes across the nation. If all the smoke alarms in the home are working, the pizza order is free. If a smoke alarm is not working, the firefighters will replace the batteries or install a fully-functioning fire safety device in the home. Find out more on NFPA’s website http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/partners-in-safety/dominos-pizza
In the City of Milwaukee players from the Milwaukee Bucks will assist the Milwaukee Fire Department with smoke alarm installations in the area surrounding a fire house. See all the events http://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/mfdAuthors/media/2014/2014FirePreventionWeek.pdf
Redstone Arsenal – Huntsville, Alabama- On Oct. 9, firefighters will host a Fire Prevention Neighborhood Event with Redstone Communities at 5 p.m. that will include a fire truck parade from Dyer Park, and a cookout with hamburgers and hot dogs at Dyer Park. The Madison City Fire Department will bring their Fire Prevention Truck to the event so that Redstone families can practice crawling through a smoke-filled room. More information: http://www.theredstonerocket.com/news/article_93493e9a-497f-11e4-9042-2f5a54d392a5.html
Are there any notable Fire Prevention Week events held in your area? If so, share them with us!
