Springfield, Ill.- The Office of the State Fire Marshal kicks off National Fire Prevention Week 2019.
Governor JB Pritzker proclaimed October 6 through October 12 as Fire Prevention Week in Illinois.
Residents are encourage to learn, prepare and practice for emergencies.
Fire Prevention Week is observed every year during the week of October 9th commemorating the Great Fire of Chicago that killed more than 250 people and left 100,000 homeless.
In fire emergencies, seconds can mean the difference between life and death.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends the following:
• Draw a map of your home that clearly identifies pathways to two exits.
• Practice your home fire drill twice a year- one at night and one during the day- with
everyone in the family.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Clearly mark your home so fire departments and first responders can find it easily.
• Close doors behind you as you leave to slow the spread of smoke and fire.
• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.
More information can be found at this link –
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Preparedness/Fire-Prevention-Week
In 2018, there were over 15,500 residential fires in Illinois.
Additionally, Illinois fire departments reported 105 residential civilian fire deaths, which is 89% percent of all fire deaths in the state.
