Every October, Allegiant Fire Protection and the National Fire Protection Agency come together to celebrate National Fire Prevention Month. This year’s event is special as it is the 100th anniversary of the creation of National Fire Prevention Month.
Our goal every year is to educate people on the importance of maintaining fire safety throughout the year, as in 2020, there were 3,500 civilian deaths and 15,200 injuries due to fires.
This year’s theme is “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape™,” which means Allegiant Fire Protection wants to provide you with the knowledge and know-how to protect yourself and your family from serious injuries.
When is National Fire Prevention Month and Week?
National Fire Prevention Month is celebrated every October to raise awareness about the importance of fire safety. The month-long event promotes life-saving practices and home fire safety education.
In addition to the month-long event is National Fire Prevention Week, starting on October 9th until the 15th, 2022. This week, the NFPA presents various fire-safety-related activities: firefighters deliver educational training and numerous resources for your home and business.
National Fire Prevention Month History
National Fire Prevention Month dates back to 1925 when President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed October as Fire Prevention Week. The weeklong event was created in response to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which killed more than 250 people and destroyed more than 17,000 buildings.
President Coolidge said, “This waste results from the conditions which justify a sense of shame and horror; for the greater part of it could and ought to be prevented… It is highly desirable that every effort be made to reform the conditions which have made possible so vast a destruction of the national wealth.”
Since its inception, Fire Prevention Week has grown into a national campaign that includes educational programs, events, and activities for all ages. At 100 years old, “Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record.”
What is the 2022 National Fire Prevention Month Theme?
The theme for National Fire Prevention Month 2022 is “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape™.” The theme highlights the importance of having a home escape plan and practicing it with everyone in the household.
Previous themes include “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” and “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.”
Along with the theme, the NFPA provides a variety of National Fire Prevention Month materials, including activity worksheets, learning materials, and valuable safety materials.
“Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape”
Since the theme for 2022’s National Fire Prevention Week is “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape,” we decided to put together some tips to help with fire escape plans.
Draw your escape route
As young people learn about fire escape routes from maps of the school buildings, it’s just as valuable to draw a map of your home or business to highlight which routes are best in the case of a fire. Sit down with everyone and discuss at least two different paths everyone can take to escape smoke and fire.
Fire escape routes should meet all your employees’ needs, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
Check smoke detectors
At home, smoke alarms should be installed inside every room where someone sleeps, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home.
Interconnect smoke alarms so that when one goes off, they all do.
Choose an outside meeting place
Once everyone has gotten out of the house safely, the next important step is to have your family meet at a specific spot outside. Since everyone might leave the house through different paths, make sure you establish a dedicated marker a safe distance away from your home. Practical markers include trees, mailboxes, and stop signs.
Practice fire drills
Fire drills aren’t just useful for school buildings. Frequently practicing fire drills in your home and business forces everyone to memorize their fire escape path, allowing them to move throughout the building during a fire by muscle memory and instinct. Conduct the drill at night and during the day while practicing different escape paths.
Once you’re out, stay out
Everything is chaotic during a fire, but the number one rule is never to go back into a burning building.
For pets, if you can’t find your pet, leave the door open, and call them while outside. Allow trained firefighters to go in and find your pets.
National Fire Prevention Month Activities
There are many ways to get involved in National Fire Prevention Month. Some popular activities include:
- Attending a local Fire Prevention Week event
- Planning or participating in a home fire drill
- Checking smoke alarms and make sure they work
- Learn about fire safety online or through educational materials
- Volunteer with a local fire department or community group
Whatever you do to celebrate, the most important thing is to focus on fire safety and learn how to prevent fires in your home and community.
There Is No Middle Ground In Fire Protection Services
This National Fire Prevention Month, prepare your business for anything with Allegiant Fire Protection services. If you need assistance, we recommend you speak to one of the fire sprinkler professionals at Allegiant Fire Protection at 630-506-5535.