2022 marks the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week. This year's campaign is "Fire won't wait. Plan your escape." Since you may have two minutes or less to safely escape a home fire from the time smoke alarm sounds, it is important for everyone to plan and practice. View resources to help plan your escape.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms detect and alert people to a fire in the early stages. Smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death in a fire. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
Fire Drills At Home
Home Fire Escape Planning and Practice: Draw a map of each level of the home, showing all doors and windows. Know two ways out of every room. Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Establish a meeting place outside and away from the home where everyone can meet after exiting. Practice what to do in case there is smoke: Get low and go. Get out fast. Practice using different ways out and closing doors behind you as you leave. Never go back into a building for people, pets, or things. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from a cell phone or a neighbor’s phone.
History of Fire Prevention Week
The history of National Fire Prevention Week has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred Oct. 9, 1871. The fire burned for 27 hours, killed more than 250 people, left more than 100,000 people homeless and destroyed nearly 18,000 buildings. Although the exact cause of the fire has never been determined, one popular legend blames Mrs. Catherine O’Leary’s cow for the blaze after it kicked over a lantern and started a barn on fire. Regardless of how the fire started, it nearly destroyed Chicago. Firefighters and equipment from as far as St. Louis and New York City responded to the blaze.
In 1911, on the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, fire officials from across the country sponsored the first National Fire Prevention Day, advocating an annual observance about fire safety and education. In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation. Since 1922, National Fire Prevention Week has been observed Sunday through Saturday of the week of Oct. 9. In addition, the president has proclaimed a National Fire Prevention Week every year since 1925. It is the longest-running public-awareness campaign in the United States.