October is Fire Prevention Month! The goal of Fire Prevention Month (and week October 4th – 10th ) is to raise fire safety awareness, and help ensure your home and family has a plan and is ready for the unexpected. In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and Month by raising fire safety awareness and educating families, students and communities across the United States. During this month, fire departments provide education to their communities, and encourage parents and loved ones to practice fire safety and whole home safety.

The NFPA’s 2020 campaign for Fire Safety Month is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.” For Fire Safety Month this year, the Office of Emergency Management is urging families to improve their home’s safety. Be ready at home by installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as having fire extinguishers at home.

Did You Know?

Fire Prevention week is the perfect time talk with your whole family about fire safety – include testing alarms, changing the batteries or upgrading to 10-year sealed battery alarms, how to use a fire extinguisher and escape route planning.

  • 3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms
  • Less than 50% of homeowners have an escape plan
  • Carbon monoxide (CO) is the #1 cause of accidental death
  • 60% of consumers do not test their smoke and CO alarms monthly*
  • Only 47% of people report having CO alarms in their home
  • Just 43% of homeowners have an escape plan*
  • Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires

Are You Ready at Home?

First Alert has been protecting homes and families since 1958. We urge you to practice whole home safety, so you and your family are ready for the unexpected this Fire Prevention Week and Month . Having functioning alarms installed throughout your home is the first line of defense for fire prevention. They work around the clock to provide your family an early alert in the event of an emergency, providing you time to safely escape. Smoke and CO alarms should be placed on every level of the home, including the basement, as well as inside and outside each bedroom. Fire extinguishers should also be placed on every level of the home, especially in the kitchen and garage.

Encourage Your Family to Get Involved

Take this opportunity to discuss fire safety with your family. You may be intimidated to bring up such a serious topic with your kids, but this will help your family be more confident and prepared in the event of an emergency. To assist you, we have provided fun activities and resources below to explain fire safety to your children. Download the Whole Home Safety Check List & Junior Fire Marshal Badge here for a fun fire safety activity to do with your kids!