Fire Prevention Week goes all the way back to the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on October 9, 1871. While the origin of the fire has never been determined, popular folklore blames Mrs. O’Leary’s cow for kicking over a lamp that ignited the conflagration. Amazingly, the infamous fire destroyed more than 17,400 acres in 27 hours and killed more than 250 people.

On the fire’s 40th anniversary, the organization of fire Marshals that evolved into the International Fire Marshals Association, IFMA, sponsored the first Fire Prevention Day. Since 1922, National Fire Prevention Week is observed the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9th falls.

"Test Your Smoke Alarms"

Roughly 70 percent of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are the great safety success story of the 20th century — but only when they're working properly.
Making sure that homes are equipped with working smoke alarms is only part of the solution. Kids and families must also know what to do when the alarm sounds.

Making sure that homes are equipped with working smoke alarms is only part of the solution. Kids and families must also know what to do when the alarm sounds

1. Locate two escape routes from each room -- first the door, second a window. If you have a second story consider buying fire escape ladders.

2. As you exit, close all doors behind you to slow the spread of fire and smoke.

3. If exit is blocked by smoke or fire, use your second exit to escape. If you must escape through smoke, stay low and crawl under the smoke to safety. Crawl on your hands and knees, not belly, because heavier poisons will settle in a thin layer on the floor.

4. If you live in a high-rise building, use the stairs – never the elevator – in case of fire.

5. Choose a meeting place a safe distance from your home and make sure every family knows this.

6. Make sure the street number/address of your home is visible to firefighters.

7. Once outside, call 9-1-1 immediately from the nearest phone, or use a portable or cellular phone you can grab quickly on the way out.

8. Practice your escape drill at least twice a year.

9. NEVER go back inside a burning building! Once you are out and safe, stay out!