Fire Prevention Week

October 4th to 10th is Fire Prevention Week. The week is always held in the Sunday through Saturday period that holds October 9th, the date that the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 did the most damage. 250 people perished, 100,000 were made homeless, and the conflagration destroyed over 17,400 structures.  According to popular legend, the fire broke out on Oct.8th when Mrs. Catherine O'Leary's cow kicked over a lamp in the barn.  Others blame it on boys smoking beside the barn, and still others say it was a meteor that hit the barn. 

Whatever the origins of the Great Chicago Fire, we commemorate it every year by holding Fire Prevention Week activities.  This is a great time to go over your fire escape plans, test your smoke alarms, and make sure your fire extinguishers are in good working order.  This year's theme is HEAR THE BEEP WHERE YOU SLEEP. Most home fire deaths occur during the hours we are normally sleeping. 

There should be a working smoke alarm in every bedroom. And a planned alternative way out. 

TIVFD