When was your smoke detector installed?
This week is the 89th annual National Fire Prevention Week. Established in 1920 by the NFPA, this is a weeklong commemoration to bring national awareness to fire prevention. Each year the NFPA selects a different theme to concentrate on in order to bring awareness to a different aspect of fire prevention. But how did this national week start and what is this year’s theme? Let’s take a look.
The History Behind National Fire Prevention Week
Established in 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first proclamation for National Fire Prevention Week. The week stretches from Sunday to Saturday and always falls on the week containing October 9th. This week not only bring awareness to fire safety as a whole, but also is used to commemorate two of the most dangerous fires in American history: The Great Chicago Fire and the Peshtigo fire. The Great Chicago Fire raged through the city from October 8-10, 1871. Although it started on the 8th, this large fire was the most destructive on the 9th of October. This tragic conflagration destroyed more than 17,400 structures, burned approximately 2,000 acres of land, left 100,000 people homeless, and killed more than 250 people. But the Great Chicago Fire wasn’t the worst one in the nation’s history. The Peshtigo Fire occurred on October 8, 1871 and roared through Northeast Wisconsin, burning 16 towns, killing 1,152 people, and scorching 1.2 million acres of land. While there have been many other fires in the nation’s history, these two fires remain the most destructive. The NFPA uses National Fire Prevention Week to teach the public how to avoid other tragedies like these in our future.
Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.
This year’s slogan, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” is used in the hopes to bring awareness to update old smoke alarms. Every year, the death rates reported in home fires is more than twice as high as in homes that do not have a working smoke alarm. Just like any other electronic devices, it is important to update your smoke alarm every 10 years to ensure it is up to date on the latest technology and fire safety standards. Make sure you check the date of your smoke alarm and to replace it if it is an older model. You should also make sure to test your smoke detectors once a month.
For more information on fire prevention in your home or business, call Anderson Fire Protection, Inc. today!
Celebrating National Fire Prevention Week with Anderson Fire Protection Inc.
No matter what your needs are, Anderson Fire Protection, Inc. is here to design and install a fire protection system that will work for your residential or commercial space. With more than 26 years of experience, Anderson Fire Protection, Inc. is able to offer you experience and reliable customer support. For more information on working with Anderson Fire Protection Inc., call us today at 410-796-4915 or click here for more information.
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