Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week is October 6 - 12, 2024
Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!TM” The campaign works to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in order to protect people. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps better educate the public about simple but critical steps they can take to make sure their homes have smoke alarms in all the needed locations and that they’re working properly.
Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services offers these key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
- Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
The History of Fire Prevention Week
Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.
Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.
Fire Prevention Week Activities
We have lots planned for Fire Prevention Week - stay tuned for updates!
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Saturday, October 5, 2024 - Open House |
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Join us Saturday, October 5th for our annual Open House! 
At the Open House, you can learn simple but critical steps they can take to make sure their homes have smoke alarms in all the needed locations and that they’re working properly, while having fun with child-friendly games and activities, live demonstrations (including auto rescue demonstrations and a fire truck simulator), and more! |
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Sunday, October 6 - Saturday, October 12, 2024 - Social Media Contest |
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Join us on social media throughout Fire Prevention Week for a chance to win some great prizes including an RHFES prize pack, a Domino's Pizza gift card or a 72-Hour Emergency Kit! To qualify to win:
Each like, follow or share will count as one entry. For an additional entry, comment on any of our Fire Prevention Week posts with at least one fire smart thing you currently do or plan on doing around your home to prevent a cooking fire. The draw will be held the week of October 15th. The winners will be required to pick up their prizes from our Headquarters at 1200 Elgin Mills Road East. |
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October 7 - 10, 2024 - Information Displays |
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Visit us at the following locations to learn more about Fire Prevention Week, and how you can stay safe in the kitchen. You'll have the chance to ask questions, and win prizes!
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Digital Backpack
Check out some of the fun and exciting activities and colouring sheets our friends from National Fire Protection Association have created for Fire Prevention Week!
If you live in an apartment or building that has many levels, it’s super important to have a fire escape plan so you know how to get out quickly if a fire starts. Check out this Fire Safety in the City family kit to learn more about being prepared, and planning your escape.
For more activities from NFPA, please visit their Fire Prevention Week page or Sparky The Fire Dog's website.
Home Escape Planning
Want to know more about how to plan your escape? Visit our Home Escape Planning page.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Have questions about smoke and/or smoke alarms? Check out our smoke alarm and carbon monoxide pages.
Connect with us!
