Picture Caption: Left to right - Commissioner Terence Farrell; Frank Sullivan, Chief, HazMat Response Team; Jeff Groves, Fire Training Coordinator; George "Beau" Crowding, Deputy Director for Fire Services; John Weer, Chief County Fire Marshal; Ron Miller, President, Chester County Fire Police Assoc.; Commissioner Michelle Kichline; Gerry DiNunzio, Vice-President, Chester County Fire Chiefs Assoc.; Commissioner Kathi Cozzone
At a recent meeting, the Chester County Commissioners presented a proclamation for Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2018, joining with the national observance emphasizing the importance of fire safety and prevention, and recognizing the contributions of the Fire Service.
This year's Fire Prevention theme is "Look. Listen. Learn. Be Aware. Fire can happen anywhere." The campaign educates people about the three basic but essential steps to take to reduce the likelihood of having a fire--and how to escape safely in the event of one:
Look for places a fire can start; identify places in your home where fires can start and eliminate those hazards.
Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm; install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and on every level of your home. Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm and when it sounds immediately respond by going outside to a designated meeting place.
Learn two ways our of every room; determine 2 ways to get out of every room in your home. Practice a home fire escape plan. The more you practice your plan the better prepared you and your family are and therefore be more likely to survive a fire.
In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.
Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.
Check with your local fire department to see when their fire prevention program is being held during October and find out how you can help - Volunteer !!