Often when October comes around people think about their favorite spooky holiday, but this month is also National Fire Prevention Week. 

Perry Fire Chief Chris Hinds says National  Fire Prevention Week in October is the longest running public safety observance on record, due to the Great Chicago Fire which occurred on October 8, 1871.

“On October 8th, back in 1871, there was three or four other major fires on that day in not only Chicago but in Wisconsin. In the town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, they had a devastating forest fire that to this day is the largest and most devastating forest fire in American history.”

Hinds tells Raccoon Valley Radio throughout National Fire Prevention Week, the Perry Fire Department heads to the area schools to teach about fire prevention and this week is a good time for some fire safety reminders as well.

“Some of the things that they talk about is exit drills in the home. Getting a fire safety plan for your home and being able to have exit drills and practice them so that if you have a fire in your home you know where to go, how to get out of your home and where to meet afterwards.”

Hinds says this is also a good time for people to get ready for the colder months by inspecting fireplaces and wood burning stoves as well as chimneys.