Do you know how fire prevention week started? Hint: O’Leary’s cow might have been the catalyst. That’s right, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 inspired a number of things, such as the Industrial Revolution via the World’s Fair via the stubborn resolve of a city that had been burned to the ground… and on the 40th anniversary of the fire, the Fire Marshalls Association of North America decided that rather than recognize October 9th with fanfare, perhaps that day should be used to prevent further fires.
That task seemed too large for just one day, however, so they designated an entire week for fire prevention awareness.
If an entire week needs to be devoted to awareness of an issue, maybe it’s time to sit down with your kids and teach them about fire prevention. Let them know that when you tell them to never light a candle when you’re out of the room, it’s not because you’re a “meany head,” but that you’re worried their little ADD minds will get distracted by an ant crawling on their iPod Touch and their stuffed cow might come to life and knock the candle over when they’re not looking.
You could also create a trivia night with your family, with such questions as “What is the leading cause of home structure fires and associated injuries, tied for the third leading cause of home fire deaths?” (Answer: cooking equipment). Find more fire facts for family Friday fun here.
Also, during a time when our nation is dealing with this huge deficit, thing about the fact that in 2009, fires caused $7.6 billion in direct damage. Perhaps this is just one of the many reasons that every president since Calvin Coolidge has signed a proclamation for a national observance during the week of October 9th since 1925. Go to the FEMA website to see every Presidential proclamation for Fire Prevention Week.
We wish you a happy, fire-free week (Keep an eye on your cows)!
