Aberdeen FD Hosts Open House for National Fire Prevention Week

Children climbed around fire trucks and learned how to crawl out of a smokey building Sunday afternoon at the Aberdeen Township Fire Department's Open House.

The event marked the kick-off of National Fire Prevention Week, and according to firefighter and fire inspector Rob DeBold the most important safety tip they are sharing with residents is to make sure they check their fire detectors every month.

"Now we have so much technology, and we're all so busy that it is easy to forget," DeBold said. "90% of the time when people get out safely its because the smoke detector was working."

National Fire Prevention Week began as a way to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, which killed more than 250 people and burned 2,000 acres. The fire began on Oct. 8, but did the most damage on Oct. 9, according to the National Fire Prevention Association.

In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson signed the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, which became a week-long observance in 1922.

At the open house, children were able to see fire trucks and equipment, and they got to practice crawling out of a smokey room in the fire prevention trailor.

The fire department will also be going to the elementary schools throughout the week to teach them how to stay safe in an emergency, DeBold said.

DeBold encourages parents and children to formulate a plan in case of emergency and practice it. Everyone should also know two safe ways out of their bedroom, he said.

According to DeBold, anyone who cannot afford a fire detector can get one for free from their local fire department.