Fire Prevention Month: Be Prepared and Stay Safe at Work or at Home
Fire Prevention Month is a great reminder that safety starts with small steps. A little attention today could save lives tomorrow. Take a few minutes to check your smoke alarms and brush up on your fire safety plan. Fire prevention and emergency preparedness matter at work and at home.
October is Fire Prevention Month, and while it’s easy to think, “That could never happen to me,” the truth is that fires can happen anywhere, anytime. The good news? Most fires can be prevented with a few smart habits and a little preparation.
Fire Prevention Month (centered around Fire Prevention Week, which started in 1922) is a time to raise awareness and educate people about fire safety. It’s tied to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, a tragic event that destroyed thousands of homes. The idea is simple: the more you know, the safer you are.
FIRE PREVENTION: WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW
Let’s start with the basics. Here are some easy, everyday habits that really make a difference in helping prevent fires at home and at work.
HAVE A PLAN: WHAT TO DO BEFORE A FIRE HAPPENS
If a fire breaks out, you might only have 2 minutes to escape. Planning ahead can save lives. Workplaces, schools and public spaces already have fire escape plans (and they’re posted throughout the buildings), but does your family have an escape plan? As employees in a manufacturing environment, we might be familiar with fire safety and emergency procedures, but do your household members know what to do?
Create a Fire Escape Plan
- Draw a map of your home with two exits from every room.
- Practice your escape plan at least twice a year—day and night.
- Choose a family meeting spot outside (like a tree or mailbox).
- Did you consider pets or modifications for family members (elderly, special needs, wheelchairs, etc.) in your plan?
Teach Children What to Do
- Show them how to stop, drop, and roll.
- Teach them how to crawl low under smoke.
- Make sure they know how to unlock doors and open windows.
IF A FIRE HAPPENS: WHAT TO DO
Even with all the right precautions, emergencies can still happen. Here’s what to do in the heat of the moment (literally):
Fire Prevention Month is a great reminder that safety starts with small steps. A little attention today could save lives tomorrow. Take a few minutes to check your smoke alarms, talk to your family, and brush up on your fire safety plan.
And, whether you’re at home or at work – fire prevention and emergency preparedness matter. Taking a few simple precautions can protect your coworkers, your workspace, your family, your home and yourself.
- Participate in fire drills—they’re not just a formality.
- Know your emergency response plan at work and at home.
- If you're part of a fire response or safety team, stay current on training and protocols.
Let’s make fire safety a priority not just this October—but all year long.
Safety First. Always. And, it starts with me.
