United States – National Fire Prevention officially begins tomorrow on Monday and ends on Friday.  

Please read and share with your family, children and friends.  Be Smart and Always have 2 Ways Out.  Prepare and Practice.  Be Fire Safe.

What is Fire Prevention Week and How Did it All Begin?

Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.  The statistics from this fire were staggering with 250 people being killed, left over 100,000 people homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, burned more than 2,000 acres.  The Great Fire began on October 8, 1871 and lasting into the next day of the 9th. The most damage was caused the second day.

Fire Departments around the United States want to bring attention focusing on promoting fire safety and prevention.  It is vital and key to helping prevent fires and keeping your family safe.

Check your home and make it a “habit” to practice your emergency evacuation plan.  Always have “2 Ways Out”.

Here’s a great fire safety checklist:

1)  Install and maintain a working smoke alarm outside of every sleep area.  Replace batteries at least once each year.

2) Designate “2 Escape Routes” from each bedroom and practice regularly.

3) Teach everyone the “Stop, Drop & Roll” technique.

4) Avoid storing old matters in home or garage.

5) Teach Kids that matches, lighters and candles are “tools” not toys. Look for signs that your children may be using any of these “tools” by looking under beds or mattresses for burned spots indicating possible usage.

Here are some local Fire Prevention Week Celebrations in the Washington State area.  Check your local fire department websites for event information.

Bellevue Fire Department 

October 6, 2012 – The Bellevue Fire Department held Open Houses throughout their City with Water Extinguisher demos, Child Safety trailer, Stove Fire displays, kids tried on Firefighter Bunker gear and Bellevue Police Department’s SWAT Officers were available along with their Bearcat.

Bellevue Police Department’s Bearcat. (c) 2012 LR Swenson

Here are some of moments captured in time.

(1)  766 Bellevue Way SE. (Downtown)

Fire Demostration by Bellevue Firefighters. (c) 2012 LR Swenson – The NW Fire Blog
Fire Demonstration explainiing how to properly distinguish a fire that has occurred on a stove top. (c) 2012 LR Swenson

(2) 2802 148th Avenue SE (Eastgate)

Engine 2 was out of quarters due to a house fire in nearby Newcastle. This was captured at the fire scene. (c) 2012 LR Swenson

 (3) 16100 NE 8th Street (Crossroads)

Aid 3 was the last piece of fire apparatus on display at the Open House until they left for a call. Engine 3 and their Ladder truck left for a house fire in nearby Newcastle. (c) 2012 LR Swenson

(6) 1850 132nd Ave NE (Commercial / Industrial area)

Bellevue Fire’s Engine 6 in quarters. This station is in the commercial part of Bellevue. They also house the HAZMAT team. (c) 2012 LR Swenson

(9) 12412 Newcastle Way (Newcastle)

Engine 9 (Newcastle’s station) was out of quarters at a house fire. They were the first in. Captured on the fire scene. (c) 2012 LR Swenson

Shoreline Fire Department

October 13, 2012 – 1100 – 1400 Hours – 17525 Aurora Avenue N. (Main Headquarters)

Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical and Rescue Demos.  Hands-on Activities.

Snohomish County Fire District #7

October 14, 2012 – 25th Annual Open House – 1200 – 1600 Hours.

8010 180th St SE, Clearview

Extrication demos, puppet shows, tours of safety trailer, fire engine tours. Topper, the Snohomish County Arson Dog will be there.

Spokane County Fire District #8

October 7 – 13, 2012.

Firefighters visiting students at area elementary schools and share safety and fire prevention materials, in addition to the important message: “Have 2  Ways Out” with K-4 students”.

Tacoma Fire Department

October 13, 2012 – Saturday 1300 – 1500 Hours

Six Neighborhood Stations will have their doors open for the public visit.

(3) NE Tacoma – 206 Browns Pt. Blvd.

(4) Hilltop – 1453 S 12th

(11) McKinley Hill – 3802 McKinley Avenue

(13) Proctor – 3825 N 25th

(16) Skyline/West End – 7217 6th Avenue

(17) Fircrest – 302 Regents Blvd

For more Info – Tacoma Fire Department Prevention Division – (253) 591-5740.

 

Woodinville Fire and Rescue

October 8 & 11, 2012 (Monday & Thursday) – CPR/AED Classes at Station #31.  Call to reserve your spot today!

October 9 & 10, 2012 (Tuesday & Wednesday) – Fire crews will be at local grocery story fronts giving away home fire escape plan materials for the family.

October 12, 2012 (Friday) – Local Fire Station Open House from 1800-2000 Hours at all stations.

(31)  Headquarters – 17718 Woodinville-Snohomish Rd NE

(33)  Bear Creek – 19401 NE 133rd

(35)  Cottage Lake – 17825 Avondale Rd NE

www.firepreventionweek.org

Source: Washington Fire Department websites.

(c) 2012 The NW Fire Blog