October 2023
The Harrisonburg Fire Department (HFD) is proud to participate in Fire Prevention Week each year. This year’s FPW campaign, “Cooking safety starts with YOU! Pay attention to fire prevention."
We are participating in and/or hosting thollowing events open to the public throughout the month. We hope to see you there!
More information: Fire Prevention Month Events [819KB]
About Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic October 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres.
In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls. According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record.
It is important to have a home fire escape plan that prepares your family to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds. What if your first escape route is blocked by smoke or flames? That's why having two ways out is such a key part of your plan.