October 6th, 2015

This week marks national Fire Prevention Week, aimed at bringing precaution, safety and preparedness from fire to the forefront of American’s thought.

Fire Prevention Week’s roots are historical: it was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which killed more than 250 people and left 100,000 homeless as fire destroyed more than 17,400 structures. It was in 1920 when President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation. Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9th falls since 1922.

History aside, fire prevention is about planning for the future. Making sure your family and business is prepared to react the moment an emergency strikes. As the Philadelphia Fire Department points out, it takes only 30 seconds for a small fire to grow out of control into a full blaze, only minutes for a house to be filled with black smoke and a home to be engulfed in flames. Preparation is key for you not to become a fire casualty.

Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management has information on our website to help you develop an emergency plan and prepare for emergencies of all types, including fire.

On the Philadelphia Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division’s site, they list, among many other tips, having and practicing an escape plan as well as having an awareness for surviving a fire.

That information includes:

  • Have a Family Meeting Place outside.
  • Get out and STAY out.
  • Call 911 from meeting place.
  • Practice with your family at least twice a year.
  • Always sleep with your bedroom door closed.
  • Have two means of escape.
  • If the smoke alarm goes off, get low, CRAWL to the bedroom door.
  • Feel the door with back of your hand, if it’s hot DO NOT OPEN!
  • Place a blanket under the door to keep smoke and heat out.
  • Crawl to your window, open and yell for the Fire Department.
  • Stay Calm!

Visit the Philadelphia Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division website for further information on safety resources.

Sign up for Office of Emergency Management’s “ReadyPhiladelphia” notification system to receive alerts on weather or emergency situations.

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Read more about Fire Prevention Week at National Fire Protection Association’s website.