Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week by Staying Safe from Home Fires This week , October 9-15, 2022, is the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week. It was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of October 8-9, 1871 that killed more than 250 people and decimated the city. Forty years after that horrific fire, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) established Fire Prevention Week in an attempt to prevent a repeat of what had occurred in the windy city. President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, the goal of which is to reduce fire deaths. It is held annually on the Sunday through Saturday in which October 9th falls.
This year’s FPW campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape TM”, works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires. “Today’s homes burn faster than ever. You may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Your ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. The NFPA’s message this year is simple, but strategic. Reduce the risk of fire and be prepared if one occurs. Look for places where fires can start. Check your home to identify fire hazards, then eliminate them.
Statistically, the majority of house fires occur between the hours of 11pm and 7am. You have a mere two to three minutes to get out of your home to safety when a smoke alarm goes off. Having a family fire evacuation plan in place when the smoke alarm jolts you out of a sound sleep can mean the difference between life and death. Map out your home, make sure windows open easily and make sure everyone has two ways out, whether it be a door or a window. Always keep pathways clear and free of impediments. Have a fire escape plan for elderly residents and those with disabilities. The NFPA stresses it’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape so they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Children, older adults and people with
disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure your plan includes assistance for those who need it. Keeping yourself and your family safe in the event of a fire is up to you.
Contact Delco Alarm Systems for additional information on the latest residential fire prevention systems.