National Fire Protection Week: October 8-14, 2017
As long as man has lived on Earth, fire has been an essential element in daily life. This is because it provides heat for warmth and cooking. However, fire can also be extremely dangerous and destructive! This is especially true if you are not aware of fire safety practices to keep a fire under control. One of the leading national organizations that is dedicated to training professionals and to educating the public how to avoid fire hazards is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). They has been sponsoring a nationwide campaign to promote fire safety awareness, National Fire Prevention Week, since 1922. This year’s theme is Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out! It stresses the importance of making an escape plan for your family. All American Chimney Service would like to tell you a bit about its history.
How did National Fire Prevention Week get started?
President Woodrow Wilson declared one day out of the year to be recognized as National Fire Prevention Day in 1920. This was to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871. Afterwards, President Calvin Coolidge signed a proclamation in 1925 to set aside an entire week to promote fire safety. He did this in honor of the 250 people that were killed in that fire. Ever since, it has been a tradition of every President of the United States to officially recognize the victims of the Great Chicago Fire. How? By signing a proclamation. This week devoted to preventing accidental fires holds the record as the longest running public health observance!
What can I do to recognize National Fire Prevention Week?
Over the past 92 years, the NFPA has worked with communities across the country to educate the public about the best fire safety practices. There are a wide variety of promotional and educational materials available. These include lesson plans and curriculum, and classes offered in fire departments, community centers, schools, and other places. Our chimney sweeps at All American Chimney Service are looking forward to teaching the residents of the Louisville area how to make an escape plan. Fire safety is our top priority, and we appreciate the NFPA for their many years of sponsoring this important week dedicated to fire prevention!
Mark your calendars for National Fire Prevention Week on October 8-14. If you are interested in learning more about making an escape plan for your family, contact us at All American Chimney Service to find out more about participating events in and around Louisville.
