Gear up for Fire Prevention Week Oct. 9-15

LOMBARD, Illinois—“Fire Prevention Week—Protect Your Family From Fire” is the theme for the 2011 Fire Prevention Week, observed October 9-15 by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA.)

Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 people and left more than 100,000 homeless. That fire began on October 8 but burned into October 9, 1871. This year's theme is focused on educating families about what causes home fires, how to prevent them and what to do in an emergency situation.

In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation and since then, Fire Prevention Week has been observed the week in which October 9 falls and is the longest running public health and safety observance on record.

Lombard Fire Marshal Chuck Riforgiate offers that “families should take this opportunity during Fire Prevention Week to review their home fire escape plan and fire safety rules, especially in homes with children.”

The NFPA website has a number of tools available for families to practice fire safety, including a fire week prevention quiz, safety tip sheets and fire safety resources for families.

For more information on the NFPA tools, visit www.nfpa.org.