Did you know that the country has observed Fire Prevention Week for 100 years?
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, it has sponsored Fire Prevention Week since 1922! President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week in 1925. This is the longest running public health observance in our country.
The National Fire Prevention Association states: “During Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.”
“Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage.” This tragic event killed more than 250 people, and left 100,000 homeless, destroyed 17,400 structures, and burned over 2,000 acres of land.