October is Fire Prevention Month!

The goal of Fire Prevention Month (and week October 9th – 15th) is to raise fire safety awareness, and help ensure your home and family is protected. In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and Month by raising fire safety awareness and educating families, students and communities across the United States. During this month, fire departments provide education to their communities, and encourage parents and loved ones to practice fire prevention and whole home safety.

Did You Know?

Fire Prevention Week is the perfect time to educate and talk with your whole family about fire safety – including testing alarms, changing the batteries or upgrading to 10-year sealed battery alarms, knowing how to use a fire extinguisher and escape route planning.

• 3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires with no working smoke alarms
• Less than 50% of homeowners have an escape plan*
• Carbon monoxide (CO) is the #1 cause of accidental poisoning in the US
• 60% of consumers do not test their smoke and CO alarms monthly*
• Only 47% of people report having CO alarms in their home
• Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires