National Fire Prevention Week: Tradition of Safety and Awareness

Deb Cuyle

Contributing Writer

Grant County Review

Every October, communities across the United States pause to recognize National Fire Prevention Week, the nation’s longest-running public health observance. Established in 1922 by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the week is dedicated to raising awareness about fire safety and preventing tragedy before it starts.

The observance always takes place during the week of October 9, marking the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. That fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed over 17,000 buildings. Though historians debate how it began, its devastation was undeniable — a powerful reminder of how quickly fire can change lives, families, and communities.

The NFPA created Fire Prevention Week not just to honor those affected by the Chicago disaster, but to ensure that future generations would be better prepared. Over the past century, the observance has grown into a nationwide campaign involving fire departments, schools, civic groups, and businesses. Each year, the NFPA announces a national theme to highlight a key area of fire safety. Recent themes have included the importance of working smoke alarms, practicing home escape plans, and cooking safety.

The goal remains simple: give people practical, lifesaving steps they can use at home to protect themselves and their families during a fire emergency.

Here in Grant County, the Milbank Fire Department plays an active role during Fire Prevention Week. Firefighters visit schools, lead classroom sessions, and host demonstrations for children from preschool through second grade. In some years, they also visit local daycares.

Adults, too, benefit from the reminders. According to the NFPA, many households do not test their smoke alarms monthly, replace batteries yearly, or update alarms every ten years as recommended. Cooking, heating equipment, and electrical issues remain the leading causes of home fires nationwide. Fire Prevention Week brings these risks into focus and provides straightforward solutions.

Local firefighters emphasize the importance of escape planning. Families are encouraged to identify two exits from every room, practice drills twice a year, and establish a meeting spot outside. Simple precautions — such as keeping a three-foot safety zone around space heaters or never leaving food unattended while cooking — can make the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.

Perhaps most importantly, Fire Prevention Week underscores the partnership between citizens and their fire service. Firefighters in Milbank and across the county respond at all hours, but prevention begins at home. When families take responsibility for fire safety, they reduce emergencies and strengthen the community’s resilience.

As we observe Fire Prevention Week this October, let’s remember its roots in history, honor the firefighters who serve today, and commit to small, consistent actions that keep our homes and neighborhoods safer.

 

Fire Safety Tips

 

1. Test alarms monthly. Push the button on every smoke alarm to make sure it works.

2. Replace alarms every 10 years.

Sensors lose sensitivity, even if the alarm still beeps.

3. Change batteries yearly. Even long-life alarms should be checked and kept fresh.

4. Create a family escape plan. Two exits from every room, practice twice a year, and create a meeting spot outside.

5. Stay safe in the kitchen. Never leave cooking unattended – it’s the leading cause of home fires.

6. Use heaters carefully. Keep a three-foot “safety zone” around space heaters and fireplaces.

7. Buckle up. Seatbelts save lives in crashes – and keep firefighters from having to rescue you.