THIS IS NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

This week, October 6th through 12th, is observed across the U.S. (and Canada) as National Fire Prevention Week.

The theme for 2019 is “Not Every Hero Has a Cape.  Plan and Practice Your Escape.”, indicates Linda Patty, Life and Fire Safety Educator for the Rome- Floyd County Fire Department.  This observance is spearheaded annually by the National Fire Protection Association.

Patty offers from some tips from the NFPA to safely escape your home in the event of a fire – remain calm and focused and act immediately when you hear your smoke alarm.  It is also wise to make sure (in advance) that your smoke alarm is functioning properly and be aware of the possibility of fire (as many fires are preventable).  And in the unfortunate event that you should become the victim of a home fire – stay out of the way and let our local firefighers do their job!

Fire Prevention Week is held every year to coincide with the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.  According to legend, the blaze started when Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicked over a lantern in her barn on October 8th that year, says Cpl. Don Bullard, RFD Life and Fire Safety Educator.  The blaze burned for two and a half days.  The resulting financial losses were estimated around $200 million – the equivalent of about $4.93 billion today.

For more information about National Fire Prevention Week, visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website at www.nfpa.org.