Fire Prevention Week
Starting October 8 through the 14th is National Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme is ‘Cooking Safety Starts with You”. We will go in-depth with fire prevention all week long since it is fire prevention week.
History of Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week was started by the National Fire Protection Association in 1922 to mark the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Fire Prevention Week helps teach children and adults how to remain secure in the event of an incident fire. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge declared the first National Fire Prevention Week to begin on October 4 and go to October 10. President Coolidge stated of the Chicago Fires, “This waste results from the conditions which justify a sense of shame and horror; for the greater part of it could and ought to be prevented… It is highly desirable that every effort be made to reform the conditions which have made possible so vast a destruction of the national wealth”.
The great Chicago Fire blazed between October 8 through October 10, with the bulk of the destruction occurring on October 9. The fire caused about $200 million in damages, which killed more than 300 people, demolished more than 17,000 structures and buildings, forcing 100,000 people to be homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 homes, and scorched 2000 acres. The disaster caused an outbreak of looting and criminal activity. Martial law was then declared and lifted several weeks later. The fire broke out in the southwest neighborhood of the city center. Having weeks of hot, dry, windy conditions and wooden construction being prevalent in Chicago led to the fire.
Peshtigo Fire
The Peshtigo Fire was in the same time frame as the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The Peshtigo Fire started October 8, 1871, and was a significant threat to the northeastern part of Wisconsin. The Peshtigo Fire was the most destructive wood fire ever in American history. It claimed 1,200 lives and scorched 1.2 million acres. The estimated damage was $169 million at the time of the fire, equivalent to 38 billion dollars today.
Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week is now observed every year in October to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire. Since 1922, the NFPA has been a sponsor for the public celebration, and in 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week an annual national event, and it is now the longest-running public health event in the United States. During fire prevention week, children and adults learn to be protected in the event of a fire emergency. Firefighters offer vital public education to reduce the number of casualties due to fires.
The Importance of Fire Prevention
In a fire situation, just minutes can make a difference during a disaster. Fire education isn’t only for school-aged children but adults, teenagers, and older people who are most vulnerable to fires, which is why it’s essential for everyone in the community to take time during this week to observe Fire Prevention Week and make sure they are aware of how to remain protected in the event of a fire and to have an action plan ready.
Cooking Safety
Kitchen fires while cooking are the most common source of home fires and home fire-related injuries. Cooking without supervision is the leading cause of cooking fires and fire deaths. Since the theme this year is “Cooking Safety Starts with You’, we want to ensure you have the proper tools you’ll need to teach your family and friends about cooking safety.
The good news is that you can prevent cooking fires with these few guidelines:
- Roll up your sleeves while cooking. Loose clothing can catch fire.
- Keep utensils, oven mitts, and any object away from the stove.
- Clean up any grease or oil on the stovetop.
- Always have an action plan, just in case.