Be a Smarty, Join the Fire Safety Party
October 4, 2016
Everyone has heard of stop, drop, and roll, but for most, that is where our fire knowledge ends. I know there is an acronym for using a fire extinguisher, but I can never remember it off the top of my head (by the way, it’s PASS: pull, aim, squeeze, sweep). October 9th commemorates  Fire Prevention Week, which was established to memorialize the Great Chicago Fire – you know this as the fire that was started when a cow knocked over a lantern. The fire began on October 8, 1871 and burned for more than 24 hours. The tragic blaze killed more than 250 people, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres of land (that’s almost two and a half football fields). Mrs. O’Leary and her cow were blamed for the Chicago fire for more than 130 years but further research indicates it was not her fault. To this day, we still do not know exactly what caused the fire.
On the same day as the Great Chicago Fire, the most devastating forest fire in American history was lit. The Peshtigo Fire roared through Northeast Wisconsin, burning down 16 towns, killing 1,152 people, and scorching 1.2 million acres of land. Both these fires had devastating consequences. While no one expects to ever be caught in such an inferno, easy steps can be taken to prevent casualties at home, and thus Fire Prevention Week was born.
Forty years after the Chicago and Peshtigo fires, the International Fire Marshals Association decided that the anniversary should be observed in a way that would keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Proclamation. Since then, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9th falls. In 1925, the president gave Fire Prevention Week national recognition making the longest running public health and safety  observance on record.
You may never have to fight a forest fire, or even a blaze the size of a football field, but follow these steps to prevent and
be prepared for a fire in your home, just in case it does happen.
Plan Ahead! If a fire breaks out in your home, you may only have a few minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Make a plan so everyone knows what to do and where to go in the event of a fire.
- Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of your house showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home and pick a location to meet outside of your home in case of emergency.
- Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day.
- Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
- Close doors behind you as you leave. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.
For more fire safety tips, visit the National Fire Prevention Association, here.
Outdoor fires can be just as big a concern as indoor. Fall is coming – enjoying cool nights, grilling dinner and spending time with friends and family around the fire is a must. Practice these fire safety tips so fun can be a top priority!
- Use caution when flames are involved.
- Have an adult present at all times when a portable fireplace is burning.
- Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from open flames.
- Keep a decent amount of sand, dirt, or water nearby to dampen a fire should it become too large.
For more outdoor fire safety tips, check out this article from Martha Stewart.
Also take some time this week to recognize your local fire department. Fire houses enjoy connecting with the citizens they serve within the community. Your local department can consist of career and volunteer firefighters – you’ll never know till you ask! Learn about becoming a volunteer firefighter here. To find your local firehouse, check out this national fire department census. One of PartyCheap’s local fire houses is West End Fire and Rescue. Some of our party people even volunteer there!
Planning your own fire safety class? Want to decorate a classroom or a birthday party? If you want some decorations to make it memorable, check out PartyCheap’s awesome selection. Hang fire truck and safety dog whirls from the ceiling; give everyone a fire hat in any color; line your walls with tissue flames that can only be put out when your guests blow their fire hose horns. We’re PartyCheap and we know how to party!
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