This is national fire prevention week – observed each year on the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire October 8th and 9th, 1871. That conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country.
Each year, a different theme is chosen for fire safety education. This year’s campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” seeks to educate everyone about the different sounds the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – residents need to take quick action.
