The internationally observed Fire Prevention Week takes place each year throughout the full week on which Oct. 9 falls across the United States and Canada. Each year has a different keynote theme, with 2024 highlighting the crucial importance of having smoke detectors and ensuring they are functioning properly.

The National Fire Protection Association’s website notes that it is the nation’s longest-running public health observance, first proclaimed in 1925 by then-president Calvin Coolidge. The event falls around Oct. 9 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which began on Oct. 8 and lasted three days before responders were able to fully control the blaze.

The fire killed roughly 300 people, destroyed about 17,500 structures and resulted in estimated damage costs of $222 million — roughly equal to $6 billion in 2024, — according to a report from the National Weather Service’s Chicago office.

Each year, the week is meant to educate individuals about ways to minimize the risk of fire occurring, and how to respond if it does. Throughout Tuesday morning, each class at L.P. Quinn Elementary made their way to the school’s library to listen to a presentation from Chief Royce Cole, who was joined by several other department members.

Tupper Lake Volunteer Fire Department member Darren LaRocque shows fifth-grade student Merrick Cole some of the emergency response axes carried on Engine 163 as Mrs. Boudreau’s and Mrs. Whitman’s classes watch outside of the L.P. Quinn Elementary School in Tupper Lake on Tuesday. Department members visited the school as part of Fire Prevention Week. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Some of the classes were also able to go outside to Engine 163, which was on hand in the parking lot. Tupper Lake VFD members Darren LaRocque and Matt Boudreau walked students around the engine and explained how the vehicle’s various components and equipment allowed firefighters to rapidly respond in an emergency.

While Cole’s presentations were mostly serious and sobering, the chief was able to sprinkle in some humor to help keep the elementary students focused on the importance of his message.

“Do we call 911 if we want to order a pizza?” Cole asked before the room erupted in laughter and students shouted back, “No!”

He then explained how 911 is only to be used in emergencies, but should be the immediate number to call without hesitation should an emergency occur.

Cole went over “stop drop and roll” and home evacuation procedures. He then gave the students a homework assignment: Review what they learned from him with their families after school that day.

Tupper Lake VFD member Jeremiah Bell was geared up in firefighter personal protective equipment, including a mask, helmet, oxygen tank and automated speaker that was designed to “shout” at people who might be trapped in a fire, letting them know where rescuers were. The sound system also had a feature that beeped and became progressively louder if the firefighter stopped moving, alerting fellow firefighters to come to their aid if they were to become injured while responding.

Cole noted that it was important for everyone to be aware of what firefighters look and sound like during an emergency response to help them help you.

“We’re going to be searching for you (during a fire). Sometimes we’re not going to be able to see you. Sometimes we won’t be able to hear you,” he said. “Always try to get our attention if you see us first. We will get you out. That’s our job. That’s what we’re trained to do, and that’s what we will do.”

Cole also said it was important to have a planned meeting spot to go to. Having families be able to take count of each other as quickly as they can during an emergency helps firefighters determine if they need to go in and search for people.

“Every second matters for us and for you in that situation,” he said. “It’s very, very important that you and your family have an escape plan, know exactly where to meet and practice doing that.”

Cole emphasized that people should never go back into a structure during a fire to try to find a pet or property.

“Your job, your sole thing to do, is get out of the house if there’s smoke or fire,” he said. “We can replace toys. We can’t replace you guys.”

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Fire prevention tips

The 2024 Fire Prevention Week campaign — “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home, according to the National Fire Protection Association. There are many fire prevention tips on the association’s website, www.nfpa.org. In regard to children and fire, below are some safety tips for families:

– Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.

– Closely supervise children, making sure that they are kept away from other fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, bonfires, and stoves.

– It is natural for young children to be curious and ask questions about fire, play with fire trucks, or pretend to cook. Use these opportunities to teach them about fire safety.

– Explain that fire moves very fast and can hurt as soon as it touches them. Tell them that this is why matches and lighters are tools for adults only.

– Teach young children to never touch matches or lighters. They must go tell a grown-up when matches or lighters are found.

– Establish clear rules and consequences about unsupervised and unauthorized uses of fire.

– Be a good example! Always use fire sources — matches, lighters, candles, fireplaces, and campfires — in a safe manner. Never treat them as toys, or children may imitate you.

– Talk with children about what their friends or other children are doing with fire. What are they seeing online in video games, on TV, in movies, and on social media? Teach them specific ways to resist the peer pressure to misuse fire.

– Give praise for showing respect and age-appropriate responsible behavior toward fire.