Oct 4th Is The Start Of Fire Prevention Week

The Uxbridge Fire Departments Booth at the Uxbridge Fall Fair and a chat with Firefighter Brian Stewart was a timely reminder that Oct 4th is the start of Fire Prevention Week.

The Great Canadian Fire Drill
During Fire Prevention Week 2009, from Oct 4th - 10th
They are asking you to support their "Great Canadian Fire Drill"
campaign aimed at elementary school children (K-Grade 3) and their families.

The Fire that Sparked a Tradition ... Chicago, 1871
Did you know the great Chicago fire that lasted 2 days October 8th and 9th in 1871 and killed more than 250 people, left thousands homeless and burned more than 2,000 acres was the catalyst for fire prevention week. This fire forever changed the way public officials viewed fire safety. To commemorate the event on its fortieth anniversary fire officials felt the most appropriate way was to inform and educate the public and since 1922 Fire Prevention week has been observed on the Sunday through to the Saturday that October 8th and 9th falls on.
The Great Chicago Fire and the Web of Memory, a virtual exhibition
People lose their lives or are seriously injured because they did not develop and practise or even have a fire escape plan for their home. Ensure your family is ready for an escape if
fire breaks out, draw up a fire escape plan. Create a floor plan, marking all the escape routes of your house with two ways out of every room if possible. Sit down with your family and discuss. Review with them what they should do if they hear the smoke or carbon monoxide alarms!
Don't forget to practice your escape plan it could save your life.
I've heard of the great Chicago fire, but not the virtual expedition. Thanks for sharing that interesting link.