Evanston Fire Department Hosts Open House Sunday

The following is from the City of Evanston:

In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, October 5 through 11, Evanston Fire & Life Safety Services invites community members to attend a Fire Prevention Open House on Sunday, October 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Fire Station #21, located at 1332 Emerson St., in Evanston.

Planned events include:

• A visit from Ronald McDonald from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Equipment displays & safety demonstrations
• Games & prizes for children

All are invited to attend.

Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred 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 – testing your smoke alarm every month.

• 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’s 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.

For more information, please contact Evanston Fire and Life Safety Services at 847-448-8191 or at fireservices@cityofevanston.org.