The first observation of Fire Prevention Day was on October 9, 1920.  It was proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on October 8, 1871.  Fire Prevention Day was later extended to a full week in 1922 and continues to be the longest running public health & safety awareness program in the history of the United States.  This year, Fire Prevention Week will be observed from October 9th through October 15th and the theme is “Protect Your Family From Fire” and focuses on educating families about the causes of home fires, how to prevent them, and what to do in an emergency.

To help increase public awareness of the dangers of home fires, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has developed several fire safety tools available on the Fire Prevention Week website. The website has become a resource for anyone interested in putting together a community campaign or anyone interested in educating themselves and family members. While on the website, visitors can test their fire safety knowledge with the Fire Week Prevention Quiz, watch public service announcement videos, print out a Family Fire Safety Checklist, or download various Safety Tip Sheets.

Be sure to visit the Fire Prevention Week website for fire safety tips, statistical information, and more!

By Jeff Harrington, CEO and Founder of Harrington Group, Inc.