Fire Safety Awareness Month is celebrated each year in October. The National Fire Protection Association choose the second week of October to celebrate Fire Prevention Week, as it commemorates the Great Chicago Fire that started on Sunday, October 8th, 1871. On this day, a fire began near the O’Leary family barn just outside of Chicago.
No one knows for sure just how the fire started, however a combination of a long period of hot, dry weather, and a city built mainly of wood, led to the great fire spreading through the city. The fire destroyed thousands of buildings over a period of 2 days. A total of nearly 3.3 square miles were destroyed, and 100,000 residents we left homeless.
This week, take the opportunity to talk to your children about fire prevention, and to spread awareness on fire safety. It’s never too early to start having these important discussions, and to come up with a family plan for emergencies.
Below are some videos, activities, and books, you can use at home to ensure your child is prepared and knowledgeable when it comes to fire safety and prevention.
This video from the National Fire Protection Association, teaches children what to do when they hear a smoke alarm.
This video was also created by the National Fire Protection Association, and teaches all about fire safety.