It was October 9, 1871.
The day started out like any other for most residents, but little did they know
that it was going to be hot… and dry… and windy… and that their heroic
firefighters were tired and weary from yesterday’s work.
And Chicago sat… waiting
like a matchbox.
One spark quickly spread
from structure to structure, wagon to wagon …person to person. Embers flew
through the air as far as a mile, lighting everything they touched.
Sounds like the gripping
introduction to a fiction piece, doesn’t it? Does it make you feel sad?
Anxious? Scared?
You can find the rest of
the story below, on the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) website, or
another reputable source. Just Google “Great Chicago Fire.” Yes, that is right.
This isn’t the beginning of a good tale, it’s a reality… it’s our past, it’s a
tragic part of our US history.
While it is a sad fact
that the Great Chicago Fire is the 3rd greatest fire in US history,
something good did come from the event. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed
fire prevention week as a national observance. It is the longest running public
health observance in our country. And why is it celebrated during the full week
of October 9th each year? It’s celebrated during this time to
remember the devastating Great Chicago Fire.
So how to you plan to
remember the heroes and the victims of the Great Chicago Fire during Fire
Prevention Week 2019?
- Are you testing working smoke alarms?
- Are you creating or practicing a fire escape plan?
- Are you purchasing safety devices such as long-like smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and fire extinguishers?
- Are you looking into a residential fire sprinkler retro-fit?
Whatever your plans, make
sure to take time to talk “fire safety” with the family. Do you have small
children? If so, make it fun!
- Time your fire drill. Now do it again. Can each of you make it to your meeting place a little quicker?
- Visit a local fire station and deliver cards, cookies, or other treats. Ask firefighters to explain the importance of a safe, outdoor meeting places and other important fire safety information to your children.
- Read fun and engaging fire safety stories and see if you can act them out. Looking for some suggestions? My What Should Daisy Do and Firefighters’ Busy Day are both factual, yet interactive and provide additional safety tips and activities in each!
Once your family has
practiced fire safety, encourage friends and neighbors to do so.
- Have a neighborhood fire drill.
- Plan a fire safety block party.
- Visit and assist shut-ins; checking safety devices, clearing exit pathways, etc.
So, have I “sparked” any
Fire Prevention Week ideas? If so, I’d love to hear from you! Need more fire
safety information? If so, feel free to reach out. I can always be found on
Facebook as @MJBostian or on my Pinterest page @K-Town Fire Girl.
Interested in copies of
my children’s fire safety books? Today’s special for Linda’s blog readers and
friends is: $12 per copy or $20 for both. This includes personalized signed
copies, coloring sheets, and shipping. Email me for details
@MJBostian@gmail.com with FPW BOOK OFFER in the subject line. Need multiple
copies for classrooms, libraries, or fire stations? If so, please put FPW
MULTIPLES in the subject line for special pricing. All orders received on
Thursday will be mailed out by Saturday afternoon for use during Fire
Prevention Week!
About Maria: Maria Bostian is a
Montessori-trained Fire & Life Safety Educator for a NC fire department
with 10 years in the classroom and 15 years of fire service experience. She
began the long road to publishing in 2014 and is looking forward to the release
of her injury prevention chapter book series featuring the lovable Fraidy Brady
Bobcat.
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