This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.
FPW 2024 Downloadable Resources for the General Public:
Smoke Alarm Checklist
How to Make a Home Fire Escape Plan
Mindful Coloring Sheet
FPW 2024 Downloadable Resources for Kids and Families
10 Minute Mini Lesson
PreK-Kindergarten Lesson Plan
Grade 1-2 Lesson Plan
Smoke Alarm Coloring Sheet
Smoke Alarm Calendar
History of Fire Prevention Week
Since 1922, the NFPA has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it our country’s longest-running public health observance. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease the number of casualties caused by fires.
Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.
