Fire Prevention Week is dedicated to raising awareness about fire safety and prevention, as well as commemorating the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The main aim of this week is to educate the public on the importance of taking proper precautions to prevent fires and to prepare for emergencies. In addition, the observance promotes community involvement, urging citizens and organizations to collaborate on initiatives to reduce the risk of fires and to increase the overall safety of their communities.
In Canada, the tradition of observing Fire Prevention Week can be traced back to 1919, when the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) established the event in response to the devastating fires that claimed countless lives and properties. Since then, Fire Prevention Week has been embraced and celebrated across Canada, evolving over the years to reflect the specific needs and concerns of Canadian citizens. Emphasizing preventive measures, such as smoke alarm installation and maintenance, as well as the importance of creating and practicing escape plans, the week aims to empower Canadians to take control of their own fire safety.
Throughout the country, Fire Prevention Week is typically marked by a variety of educational and interactive events, such as fire station open houses, school presentations, and awareness campaigns on social media platforms. Local fire departments and various organizations collaborate to raise public awareness and share essential information and resources. In Canada, Fire Prevention Week is commonly observed during the second week of October, coinciding with the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, making this an ideal time to reflect on the importance of fire safety and prevention efforts.
Top X Posts (formerly Tweets) for Fire Prevention Week
#NewsRelease: On average, Ontarians believe they have 5 minutes to evacuate a house fire, but in reality you may only have 60 seconds or less. #FirePreventionWeek media event on Oct 11: @jonpeggOFM will challenge Ontarians to plan a record-breaking escape. https://t.co/swTVAj3y1S https://t.co/wYIET2NLod
— Office of the Fire Marshal (@ONFireMarshal) October 7, 2022
Fire Prevention Week starts today. This year's theme is "Fire Won't Wait - Plan Your Escape!"
You may have two minutes or less to safely escape a fire in your home from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. https://t.co/4KJJCdNezz
Scan the QR code to NFPA Fire Prevention Week for Home Escape Plan grid, Family Safety Action Plan, teaching tools, safety tip sheets. https://t.co/dWXbwtR4Td
The theme for Fire Prevention Week in 2021 was Learn the Sound of Fire Safety.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, leaving food cooking in the kitchen unattended is the number 1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries.
Redcross.org recommends several tips for fire safety: 1) Install smoke alarms on all levels of your home. Also install them inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. 2) Test smoke alarms every month and replace them if they're not working. 3) Talk with family members about a fire escape plan. Practice it twice a year. 4) If a fire does occur, Get out, Stay out, and Call for help. Never go back inside a burning building.
On average, eight Canadians die from a fire every week, according to the Fire Prevention Canada.
About 73% of the unintentional fatal fires in Canada are caused by smoking, cooking and heating equipment, as per the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.
According to Ontario law, it is mandatory to have working smoke alarms on every storey of a home and outside every sleeping area.
In the News and Trending for Fire Prevention Week
Top things to do for Fire Prevention Week
Create a fire escape plan for you and your family. Become familiar with the escape routes in your home or building and practice using them in case of a fire.
