Did you know that this week is National Fire Prevention Week? The commemoration of this week dates all the way back to 1925 when President Calvin Coolidge created the first National Fire Prevention Week from October 4th-10th. It is observed every year on the week that October 9th falls on, in remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire that stretched from October 8th-9th, 1871.
The Legend of “The Cow”
If you have ever heard of the events around the Great Chicago Fire, then you most likely have heard about the popular legend of “The Cow.” For a long time, it was believed that a cow in a barn belonging to a woman named Catherine O’Leary started this traumatic event when it accidentally kicked over a lantern inside the barn, which in turn started the fire. The reporter who wrote this story, Michael Ahern for the Chicago Tribune, later admitted that he made the story up. However, it did not stop this myth from becoming a huge reference in pop culture throughout history. “Mrs. O’Leary’s cow” has been used in movies, literature, music, and a variety of other mediums.
Why National Fire Prevention Week Is Important
Events like the Great Chicago Fire made both the public and lawmakers realize the danger and damage that fires have, especially in heavily populated areas. As a result of this, National Fire Prevention Week was created not as a way to celebrate festivities, but rather as a chance to inform and remind the public about the hazards of fires. Throughout the years of observance, this week has had a variety of different themes to cover a variety of topics about fire safety and staying safe from fire damage. Themes such as “Flameproof Your Future!,” “Let’s Grow Up, Not Burn Up,” and “Learn Not To Burn” have been used to teach the public safety measures to prevent a fire and what to do in the event of one. This year's theme is “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!,” reminding us that having more than one escape plan is important to avoid being hurt or killed by a residential or commercial fire.
ServiceMaster Fire Repair & Restoration
We hope that your home or place of work never experiences a fire. However, if you are in need of fire damage repair, fire cleanup, or fire remediation services, contact ServiceMaster By Rice today. Our IICRC technicians are highly trained and ready to work around the clock for your cleanup needs. Stay safe this week and remember to have your fire escape plans ready!
