In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, the Evanston Fire Department invites community members to attend an Open House on Sunday, October 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Fire Station #1, located at 1332 Emerson St. in Evanston.

The event will include fun children’s activities, equipment displays, safety demonstrations, and games and prizes for kids. All are invited to attend.

Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire, October 8-10, 1871. The blaze killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed more than 17,000 buildings. The tragedy inspired reform across the United States, spurring new fire safety codes and public awareness campaigns. Each October, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sponsors a nationwide campaign and together with the Fire Service highlights the importance of fire and life safety education. This year’s theme focuses on a very important activity – having a working smoke alarm in your home.

• Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths happen from fire in homes with no alarms or no working smoke alarms.
• When smoke alarms don’t work, it is usually because batteries are missing, disconnected, or dead.
• Remember, properly installed and maintained smoke detectors and a home escape plan save lives. Test your smoke alarm every month.

The NFPA reminds residents: “Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm. Test Yours Every Month.”

For additional information, please contact the Evanston Fire Department at 847-448-8191 or fireservices@cityofevanston.org.