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2012 FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
OCTOBER 7-13, 2012
Have Two Ways Out!
Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871.
According to popular legend, the fire broke out after a cow - belonging to Mrs. Catherine O'Leary - kicked over a lamp, setting first the barn, then the whole city on fire. Chances are you've heard some version of this story yourself; people have been blaming the Great Chicago Fire on the cow and Mrs. O'Leary, for more than 130 years. But recent research by Chicago historian Robert Cromie has helped to debunk this version of events.
Click here to find Kids Activities relating to Fire Prevention.
To view fire safety information courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association click on the graphic below to open the pdf.
Campus Safety - The number of reported dormitory fires increased 34% from 3,200 in 1980 to 4,290 in 2006. |
Candle Safety - Candles may be pretty to look at but they are a cause of home fires - and home fire deaths.
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Carbon Monoxide Safety - Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels burn incompletely.
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Christmas Tree Safety - Each year, fire departments respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. |
Cooking Safety - Cooking fires are the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. |
Clothes Dryer Safety - The leading cause of home clothes dryer and washer fires is failure to clean them.
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Escape Planning - Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as two minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds. |
Generator Safety - The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards.
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Grilling Safety - A grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. |
Halloween Safety - Take simple fire safety precautions, like making sure fabrics for costumes and decorative materials are flame-resistant.
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Heating Safety - Half (49%) of all home heating fires occur in December, January and February. |
Hotel/Motel Safety - Choose a hotel/motel that's protected by both smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system.
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Lightning Safety - Fires started by lightning peak in the summer months and in the late afternoon and early evening. |
Smoke Alarm Safety - Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries.
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Winter/Holiday Safety - Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire.
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