Maysville Fire Department Community Programs

National Fire Prevention Week

The history of National Fire Prevention Week has its roots in the in the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on October 9, 1871. This tragic conflagration killed some 300 people, left 100,000 homeless and destroyed more than 17,000 structures. The origin of the fire has generated speculation since its occurrence, with the fact and fiction becoming blurred over the years. One popular legend is that Mrs. O’Leary was milking her cow when the animal kicked over a lamp, setting the O’Leary barn on fire and starting the spectacular blaze. However the massive fire began, it quickly took its toll, burning more than 2000 acres in 27 hours. The city of Chicago quickly rebuilt and in a couple of years the residents began celebrating their successful restoration to memorialize the anniversary of the fire with festivities.

Intending to observe the fire’s anniversary with a more serious commemoration, the Fire Marshals Association of North America decided that the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should not be observed with festivities, but in a way that would keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention.

President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week, October 4 – 10, 1925. In the previous year some 15,000 lives were lost to fire in the United States. Calling the loss startling, President Coolidge’s proclamation stated, “This waste results from conditions which justify a sense of shame and horror for the greater part of it could and ought to be prevented. It is highly desirable that every effort be made to reform the conditions which have made possible so vast a destruction of the national wealth”.

The National Fire Protection Association along with fire departments continues today to make National Fire Prevention Week a top priority. Working to reduce the risk of fire and the toll it takes on society is the main goal.

The Maysville Fire Department works on fire prevention, not just during Fire Prevention Week, but all year long. Firefighters work mainly with kids and attend all area schools with fire prevention tips. The department also visits the local Senior Citizens Groups with fire safety information for them as well.

Fire Prevention Week will be in October 2008. This year's theme is 'Practice Your Escape Plan'. Any school or group in our community requesting a visit from the fire department or even a tour of the station can call 564-9411 Ext. 301.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

Crawl Low Under Smoke

· If you must escape through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit
· If you see smoke on your way out, use your second way out instead

Plan Your Escape

Have an escape plan that includes two ways out of each room
Have a predetermined meeting place outside the home
Practice your escape with the entire family at least twice a year
· Once you are out of the house STAY OUT

Stop, drop & roll

If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands and roll over and over to put out the flames

Matches or lighter and children don't mix

· Use only child resistant lighters
· Keep all matches and lighters up high away from children or in a locked cabinet

Smoke Detectors

· Install them on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area
· Test them monthly and install new batteries at least twice a year

Call 911

· If your home is on fire get out quickly and go to the neighbors to call 911
· Teach your children how to get emergency help

Electrical Safety

· Don’t overload extension cords or run them under rugs
· Replace any cord that is cracked or frayed
· Use the proper size fuses in your fuse box