Information on Fire Prevention Week for Children

Fire Prevention Week helps keep children safe.

Fire Prevention Week, or FPW, has been observed in October every year since 1922. It is a time when firefighters and experts often visit classrooms to talk about fire prevention and fire safety, while some students get to tour fire stations or explore fire engines. Some themes for the week over the years include Fire Hurts, Help Stop Fire, Fire Drills Save Lives at Home, at School and at Work and Fire Won't Wait ... Plan Your Escape.

History

FPW falls around Oct. 9 because the week was created to commemorate the tragic Chicago fire of 1871. Hundreds were killed, nearly 20,000 structures were destroyed, land was burned and 100,000 left homeless. Even though the fire started on Oct. 8 the majority of damage happened on Oct. 9. Another fire that also happened that week was the Peshtigo forest fire. It was the most destructive such fire in America. There were 16 towns destroyed, over 1,000 killed and over a million acres burned. The Fire Marshals Association of North America, now the International Fire Marshals Association, decided on the 40th anniversary of these fires that it was time to educate the public about fire safety and prevention. President Woodrow Wilson made the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation in 1920, which grew into the week observed today.

Significance

Even the youngest children learn during fire prevention week. As children get older more details and instruction are provided. One element involves smoke alarms and steps to take when one goes off, such as safely leaving the area and not returning. Students also learn about having an escape plan at home as well as how important smoke alarm testing is for the family.

Features

Children learn fire prevention through station and fire engine tours.

Teachers and special guests teach fire prevention through reading books and poems, singing songs and fun activities, such as interactive games. Sparky the Fire Dog is the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, official mascot since March 18, 1951. He is dedicated to keeping children safe by teaching fire prevention and safety.

Prevention

Prevention is the first step in fire safety. If students are taught not to play with matches and lighters then abide by this lesson possible fires have been prevented. Nevertheless, fires do happen and the next step is to teach dealing with fire safely, such as while camping.

Considerations

Students are introduced to fire safety drills in school, but there is more to fire safety, such as stop, drop and roll. They learn what to do in case their clothes catch on fire. They make sure students understand to get low to the floor and crawl out of an area if there is intense smoke present. Another tip is to not hide during a fire as escape is best, but if escape is not possible then firefighters can't save you if they can't see you.

References

• National Fire Protection Association: Fire Prevention Week 2010
• Sparky the Fire Dog
• Twiggle Magazine: Fire Safety and Prevention Week