Contacts:
Mark Ludescher, Fire Marshal/Assistant Chief
Michael McMahon, Assistant Fire Marshal
563-589-4160
fire@cityofdubuque.org
www.cityofdubuque.org
September 26, 2012 - For Immediate Release
"Have Two Ways Out"
Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 7-13
DUBUQUE, Iowa – Since 1922, National Fire Prevention Week has been observed during the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls. This year’s theme, “Have Two Ways Out!”, focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.
To be prepared in case of a fire, homes and businesses should have a workable fire escape plan in place and every occupant of the building should be familiar with it. Every room in the building should be included in the escape plan and, if possible, each room should have at least two escape routes in case the first becomes impassable.
The City of Dubuque Fire Department promotes fire safety and prevention year-round through educational programs at schools, businesses, senior centers, and more. Assistant Fire Marshal Michael McMahon said that during National Fire Prevention Week, fire department staff will visit approximately 17 area schools to educate kindergarten and first grade students about fire prevention by simulating scenarios in Sparky’s Hazard House, a three-story model house that features different fire hazards in each room.
The National Fire Protection Association established Fire Prevention Week to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 people and burned more than 2,000 acres. Another devastating fire, the Peshtigo Fire, took place in northeast Wisconsin during that same timeframe and burned 16 towns, killed 1,152 people, and scorched 1.2 million acres. Both the Chicago and Peshtigo fires changed the way that firefighters and public officials thought about fire safety, and thus it was decided to observe the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire in a way that would inform the public of the importance of fire prevention.
For more information about fire escape planning and fire prevention, visit the National Fire Protection Association web site at www.nfpa.org or contact the City of Dubuque Fire Department at www.cityofdubuque.org/fire or 563-589-4160.
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