October is National Fire Prevention Month, with National Fire Prevention Week being observed this year Oct. 6-12.
This year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you” strives to educate about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
Today’s homes burn faster than ever. From the time the smoke alarm sounds, you may have as little as 2 minutes or less to escape a home fire. Early warning from smoke detectors and advance planning helps your ability to escape the burning home.
Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a fire, giving people the time to get out safely.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act on them. Fire departments offer these key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:
» Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
» Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
»Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
» Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
» Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home.
This yearly observance was established to remember the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred in 1871. It killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on Oct. 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on Oct. 9, 1871.
While the Great Chicago Fire was the best-known blaze to erupt during this fiery two-day period, it wasn’t the largest. The most destructive forest fire in American history is the Peshtigo Fire. The fire, which also occurred on Oct. 9, 1871, roared through northeast Wisconsin, burning down 16 towns, killing 1,152 people and scorching 1.2 million acres before it was done.
The Peshtigo Fire began when several railroad workers clearing land for much needed tracks unintentionally started a brush fire. Soon, the fast-moving flames were raging across the land. The small town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, suffered the worst damage. Within an hour, the entire town had been destroyed.
James L. Cummins is executive director of Wildlife Mississippi, a nonprofit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi. The website is www.wildlifemiss.org.
