Fire Prevention Week is a national, week-long observance that teaches children, as well as adults, the importance of fire safety and prevention. According to the National Fire Prevention Association’s website, Fire Prevention Week began as a commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire. The Great Chicago Fire was a massive and destructive fire that occurred in the beginning of October of 1871. The fire took more than 250 lives, destroyed more than 17,000 structures and homes, leaving thousands and thousands of people homeless, and burned more than 2,000 acres. In 1911, The Fire Marshals Association of North America decided that from here on the anniversaries of the fire should consist of informing the public about the importance of fire prevention, rather than celebratory festivals.

The observance is now sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). During this week, it is common for firefighters from local fire departments to enter classrooms and teach children about fire safety. If firefighters are not able to come to the classroom, then teachers usually step in, or should, to teach children about the importance of fire safety. Teachers can visit www.nfpa.org for information about fire safety and prevention, as well as classroom lessons appropriate for all ages. Windy City Novelties also provides fire safety gifts and decorations teachers may use to encourage students to learn during Fire Prevention Week, which falls on October 9th through October 15th this year.

Fire Safety Decorations

If your school is having local firefighters come in to talk about fire safety, welcome the firefighters with a customizable firefighter banner. The banners come in various sizes, such as a small 12” x 24” for the classroom, or a 36” x 72” for the main entrance of the school.

Regardless of if your school is having members from the local fire department come in to lecture students about fire safety, you can decorate the classroom with firefighter themed decorations for Fire Prevention Week. Hang firefighter danglers from the ceiling all throughout the classroom, and set up a fire truck table centerpiece, or two, somewhere in the classroom.

Fire Safety Goodie Bags

In order to get students excited about the importance of fire safey, you can hand out firefighter-themed goodie bags. Ask them a few questions about the fire safety tactics they have just learned and reward them with a goodie bag. Fill a red plastic firefighter hat--that they can later wear--with items that they can interact with. Fill the hats with firefighter coloring books, candy, firefighter stickers, a toy firefighter badge, and more! 

You can also stick a few LED candles in the firefighter helmet to emphasize the importance of fire safety. Tell the students to use these flameless candles for decoration, rather than real candles. 

At Windy City Novelties, it’s our hope that this article inspires you to create a fun and unique party for your loved ones. For more helpful tips on organizing your event, email our dedicated party planning experts at [email protected]. You may also subscribe to our emails for weekly party planning ideas, featured products and more at https://www.windycitynovelties.com/customer/account/create/